Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sharad Kolhi detained under MPDA Act, lodged in Yerawada jail for a year
Solapur Rural Police have acted under the MPDA Act against Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sharad Kolhi, who has been detained at Yerawada Central Prison for one year.
Solapur Rural Police have taken action against Sharad Vitthal Kolhi, a deputy leader of the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Kolhi, 37, is from Ardhanari in Mohol taluka of Solapur district. The action was taken under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, and he has been detained at Yerawada Central Prison in Pune for one year.
Kolhi is known as a leader who responds in aggressive language whenever Uddhav Thackeray and his Shiv Sena are criticised by those in power.
A few days ago, Kolhi was taken into custody by police from Sangli while absconding in a criminal case. His detention was subsequently finalised under an order of the Solapur Collector and District Magistrate, numbered 2026/DCB/2/RR/4761(1)/2026 and dated 17 September 2026.
On Sunday (4 October), Kolhi underwent a formal medical examination at the Pandharpur sub-district hospital. He was then taken to Yerawada Central Prison under heavy police security.
According to information provided by Pandharpur Taluka Police Station, several serious cases have been registered against Kolhi in Solapur and surrounding areas. These include sand theft and smuggling, extortion from traders and citizens, and creating a law-and-order problem by making provocative speeches in public places. The police station said the action was taken after serious note of these acts.
The action was taken under Section 3(1) of the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug Offenders, Dangerous Persons, Video Pirates, Sand Smugglers and Persons Engaged in Black-Marketing of Essential Commodities, Illegal Moneylenders, Illegal Lottery Operators and Human Traffickers Act, 1981 (amended in 1996, 2009, 2015 and 2025).
The operation, carried out on the Collector's order, was led by Suresh Jillawar, senior police inspector of Pandharpur taluka. He was guided by Superintendent of Police Atul Kulkarni, Additional Superintendent of Police Prerna Katte and Assistant Superintendent of Police Prashant Dagale.
With local elections approaching, a leader of the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has been placed under direct one-year detention, causing considerable stir in political circles in Solapur district.
