Wed Sep 17 22:28:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Mumbai Statue of Meenatai Thackeray Vandalized, Sparking Political Outrage**

**Mumbai, September 18, 2025** – Outrage and condemnation swept across Maharashtra yesterday after the statue of late Meenatai Thackeray, wife of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, was defaced with red paint. The incident occurred at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai early Wednesday morning.

Police have launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and working to identify the perpetrator who struck around 6:10 a.m. The incident was discovered around 6:30 a.m., prompting a swift response from Shiv Sena (UBT) workers.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray, son of Meenatai, visited the site and expressed his anger, suggesting the act was either the work of someone ashamed of their heritage or an attempt to destabilize Maharashtra, referencing a past incident involving disrespect towards Prime Minister Modi’s mother.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray, Uddhav’s cousin, also visited the scene and demanded that police apprehend the culprit within 24 hours.

MLA Mahesh Sawant of the Shiv Sena (UBT) linked the incident to a rally opposing the India-Pakistan cricket match, which took place prior to the vandalism.

Leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance have also condemned the act. Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Minister of State for Home and Revenue, Yogesh Kadam, emphasized the emotional significance of the statue, installed by his father on Bal Thackeray’s instructions, and vowed action against those responsible.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the person behind the vandalism.

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