New Delhi: Taking note of the death threat directed at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said he has instructed the officials concerned to initiate a probe into the matter and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis said such threats will not be tolerated.
Calling Sharad Pawar a “senior respected leader”, CM Shinde said in a statement that all necessary precautions will be taken for his safety and police have been asked to step up Pawar’s security if needed.
“Ever since the Supreme Court verdict (in Shiv Sena-related issues), some people are upset due to which attempts are being made to spoil the atmosphere by glorifying Aurangazeb and Tipu Sultan,” said the Chief Minister’s statement. “These attempts will be thwarted. We will foil the conspiracy to create disturbances for selfish political interests,” it added.
Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, said he has asked police to take action, and asserted that the government will not tolerate such threats.
While Mumbai police registered an FIR over the threat, Pune police reviewed security at Sharad Pawar’s residence in Shivajinagar area of the city.
“Eight police personnel and one police officer are deployed there in the daytime and a similar strength is maintained at night. Besides, personnel from police headquarters are also stationed at the residence (of Pawar),” said inspector Arvind Mane at Shivajinagar police station.
According to NCP leaders, their 82-year-old party chief received a message on social media that read “he will meet the same fate as (Narendra) Dabholkar soon”. Narendra Dabholkar, who fought against superstitious beliefs, was shot dead in Pune in August 2013.
Police have registered an FIR under Indian Penal Code Sections 153 (wantonly causing or provoking any riot through illegal means) and 506 (II) (issuing threat to cause death or grievous hurt), said a senior official.