Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Dina Patil is facing criticism after he allegedly threatened TV journalists during a press interaction in Mumbai on Thursday. The episode has prompted Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to urge Patil to apologise, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned that anyone making threats would face consequences.

Tensions rose further when Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut wrote to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, calling for criminal proceedings against Patil over earlier comments in which he reportedly said he would “throw bombs” at people protesting against him.

Patil is one of six Lok Sabha MPs who recently broke from Shiv Sena (UBT) to join the Shinde faction, a move that has reignited the rivalry between the two Sena camps. Footage that emerged on Thursday captured the MP losing his composure while fielding questions about the recent move of six Lok Sabha MPs into the Shinde-led Sena faction. Reporters at the scene said Patil grew agitated after being asked about claims that his daughter, a sitting corporator, was still backing Shiv Sena (UBT).

In the clip, Patil is heard saying: “Record this and complain to the Commissioner. I have tolerated enough. There is a limit to everything. If you come again asking questions, I will beat you.”

Patil has since issued an apology over the issue on his Instagram account. He said, "I sincerely apologise if my reaction today hurt the sentiments of my journalist colleagues."

The comments triggered sharp condemnation from press organisations and opposition leaders alike. The Mumbai Press Club denounced the alleged threat as an assault on press freedom and called on Patil to issue an unconditional apology.

Shinde said he had personally spoken with Patil and made clear that elected representatives should not address journalists in such a manner, according to The Indian Express. Shinde further noted that Patil had attributed his outburst to frustration over allegations directed at him and his family in recent days.

Fadnavis said police would act against anyone resorting to intimidation, according to the report.

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