BJP 'mastermind' behind Sunetra Pawar's appointment as deputy CM, claims Saamana
Mumbai (PTI): The Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday claimed the BJP leadership was the "mastermind" behind NCP leader Sunetra Pawar taking oath as Maharashtra deputy chief minister, just days after her husband Ajit Pawar's demise.
An editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana' also alleged that the BJP leadership and Nationalist Congress Party leaders Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel do not want the unification of the two NCP factions.
Sunetra Pawar took oath as the state's first woman deputy CM on Saturday, barely three days after NCP leader Ajit Pawar was killed along with four others in an air crash at Baramati in Pune district, inviting criticism from some quarters over the pace at which the development took place.
Rival NCP (SP) chief and Ajit Pawar's uncle, Sharad Pawar, on Saturday claimed that he had "no idea" about her swearing-in.
The editorial said Sunetra Pawar's deputy CM post should not be ornamental, and opined that she may not be "gungi gudiya" (mute doll) and work effectively.
The NCP is in an alliance with the "sanatani-minded" BJP, and Sunetra Pawar taking oath even before the completion of her husband's post-death rituals does not fit into the Hindutva beliefs, it claimed.
The editorial said that the question before Maharashtra is on whose wish Sunetra Pawar took oath as deputy CM, because neither NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, its working president Supriya Sule, nor members of the Pawar family were aware of this.
Sunetra Pawar didn't even give the slightest hint that she was leaving for Mumbai from Baramati for the swearing-in, it said.
The BJP leadership is the "mastermind" behind this politics, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed.
"The complications have increased in the Pawar family and Maharashtra politics after Ajit Pawar's death. Many wish that these issues do not get sorted out," it added.
The editorial claimed that after Ajit Pawar's death, there was unease in the NCP, as some leaders became more ambitious and there was a race to take charge as the deputy CM within the party.
There are differences between Patel and Tatkare, and Sunetra Pawar was "installed" as deputy CM because the party of "Patil-Pawar" should not go to Patel, it claimed, referring to NCP Working president Praful Patel.
Sunetra Pawar was made to steer the ship, but its engine and control are with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Both Sunetra Pawar and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena can maintain their existence at the mercy of Fadnavis, the Sena (UBT) charged.
The editorial said that the BJP will surely contest the 2029 assembly polls independently, and many MLAs from the Shiv Sena and the NCP will join the saffron party.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
