Activists demand Shiv Sena MLA's arrest for threatening to strip woman

Women's rights activists have demanded the arrest of Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Bala Sawant for allegedly threatening to strip and thrash an elderly woman.

Lawyer and activist Abha Singh told ANI, "Shiv Sena MLA Prakash BALA Sawant has abused a woman and used derogatory words, which is an offence under section 509 of the Indian Penal Code. What is required is a preventive action, apart from lodging an FIR and arresting Sawant."

"For Sawant to say that he will undress a woman and beat her is shameful. He is a public figure and he should not use such language against a women, it will give the impression that the government is not serious towards crimes against women. Young people will react the same way when they see this," added Abha.

Another activist, Kavita Shrivastava, condemned Sawant's comments and the misogyny displayed in Indian politics.

She told ANI, "What the Shiv Sena MLA has said is not different from what Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal or Goa PWD minister had said. There is a lot of misogyny in Indian politics. It's outrageous and we condemn this and we really hope this MLA is arrested."

The Shiv Sena MLA had allegedly threatened to thrash and strip an elderly woman who resides in his building. The two reportedly had differences on some redevelopment work in the building.