Shiv Sena Candidate Haji Salim Qureshi Stabbed During Campaign in Bandra, Out of Danger

Mumbai, January 2026: Shiv Sena candidate Haji Salim Qureshi, contesting from Ward No. 92 in Bandra, was stabbed in the stomach after addressing a campaign rally in Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Bandra East, on Wednesday evening. Supporters rushed him to Lake View Hospital in Bandra West on a scooter, where he was immediately taken for surgery. While police described the injuries as superficial, Qureshi reportedly received 54 stitches to his stomach wounds.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 8) Manish Kewania confirmed, “Qureshi has some cuts on his stomach. He is out of danger. Police teams are working in the field and taking legal action.” Authorities are yet to record statements from Qureshi and the treating doctors, and the investigation to identify the culprits is ongoing.

The attack comes amid heightened tension in Maharashtra ahead of municipal elections scheduled for January 15, covering 29 civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Counting of votes is set for January 16.

The incident in Bandra is not isolated. Shiv Sena leader Pramod Nana Bhangire alleged that while holding a campaign meeting in a society near Shriram Chowk, Pune, stones were thrown at his car, also targeting Shiv Sena candidate Sarika Pawar. Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. Bhangire said, “The footage will reveal who did this. This is very wrong. This should not happen.”

Similarly, Maharashtra AIMIM chief Imtiaz Jalil reported that his party’s rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was attacked by unknown assailants, injuring several supporters. Jalil stated, “We had permission for our rally, and police were present. But 20–25 goons arrived with weapons and attacked our people and vehicles. Some were injured. They thought such hooliganism would stop us, but we completed the rally peacefully. We are fighting this election in accordance with our democratic rights.”

The attacks highlight increasing violence and intimidation targeting political candidates during the municipal election campaign. While Qureshi has recovered, the incidents in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have raised concerns about the safety of candidates and supporters across Maharashtra.

Authorities have assured strict action against the perpetrators. Police teams are actively investigating both the stabbing in Bandra and the stone-pelting incidents, with CCTV footage being analyzed to identify those responsible. Meanwhile, election preparations continue, with candidates stepping up campaigning across the state.