Shiv Sena UBT Leader Faces UAPA Charges for Alleged Links to Dawood’s Aide

The Nashik police have initiated legal action under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Sudhakar Badgujar, a prominent leader of the UBT faction within the Shiv Sena party. Badgujar came under scrutiny after being spotted socializing with Salim Kutta, a known associate of Dawood Ibrahim and a convicted perpetrator of the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts. The incident, which surfaced during the Maharashtra Assembly’s winter session in December 2023, raised concerns prompting an investigation. Sheetal Mhatre, spokesperson and deputy leader of Shiv Sena, emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry, pointing to allegations of monetary transactions during the event. Kutta, convicted for his involvement in the 1993 bombings that claimed numerous lives and caused extensive damage, has been a central figure in the ongoing investigation. The case underscores the complex web of connections and challenges posed by organized crime networks, particularly in the context of historical incidents like the Mumbai bomb blasts.