Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: NCP-SCP leader Rohit Pawar has strongly criticized the Maharashtra government following the killing of two individuals from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in Nashik, including a vice president of Ajit Pawar’s NCP. He accused the authorities of evading questions and providing contradictory statements about similar incidents.
Referring to a past case in Nagpur, Pawar claimed the police commissioner had issued conflicting statements, raising concerns about transparency.
“In the incident that happened in Nashik yesterday, two people from the ST community, including the vice president of Ajit Pawar’s party, were killed. We are being given evasive answers. When the incident happened in Nagpur, the police commissioner said something else and gave a different statement,” Pawar told the media.
Taking a swipe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Pawar criticized his recent advice urging ministers to exercise restraint in their remarks.
“Instead of saying this, it would be better if they resign,” Pawar remarked.
On the issue of Disha Salian, the late manager of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Pawar responded to her father’s plea for a fresh investigation. He criticized the BJP for allegedly politicizing the matter, particularly with elections approaching.
“If a person has tried to seek justice for his daughter or a woman, we wish they get justice… But the BJP is doing politics. Politics was done on Sushant Singh Rajput in Bihar for elections. What happened to the SIT that was formed should also be told,” Pawar added.
Pawar defended Aaditya Thackeray, who has been named in the petition, expressing confidence that he had no involvement in the case.
On the recent violence in Nagpur, Pawar called for strict action against the accused, regardless of their background.
“If something is preplanned and the police do not know about it, then it is an intelligence failure. Either it is an intelligence failure, or they let the violence happen despite having intelligence,” he remarked.
In connection to the violence, Nagpur Police have arrested 50 individuals, including seven minors. The Judicial Magistrate First Class Court (JMFC) has remanded 19 accused in police custody until March 21.
Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, condemned the Nagpur violence, warning that strict action would be taken.
“The incident in Nagpur is very serious. Strictest action will be taken. People having the audacity to raise their hands on DCP-level officers and police personnel will not be tolerated at all,” Kadam stated.
Kadam also mentioned intensified action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Maharashtra, while curfew restrictions continue in parts of Nagpur to ensure public safety.