Maharashtra Forest Minister Sanjay Rathod Sunday submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray amid the roar of his involvement in the suicide case of a 23-year-old Pune resident Pooja Chavan. BJP has alleged that Rathod had called up Chavan multiple times before her death, thus demanded a police probe in his link to the girl’s death.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday had assured that CM Uddhav Thackeray will take the right decision when the time fits. “He ( CM Thackeray) has not shut his eyes. CM is watching what is happening and he will make the right decision at an appropriate time. The victim’s family will get justice,” said Raut.
BJP leader Chitra Wagh alleged that the MVA government was protecting Rathod. He claimed that Chavan had received 45 missed calls on her phone from Rathod and still not even an FIR against him has been filed. Top BJP leaders - Devendra Fadnavis, Chandrakant Patil have staged several protests, demanding justice for Pooja Chavan.
Ex-CM Devendra Fadnavis asked why no action against minister Sanjay Rathod has been taken yet. He said, “Pune police's PI needs to be removed. All BJP members from the Shakti law committee will resign if there is no action against minister Sanjay Rathod."
Meanwhile, BJP state chief Chandrakant Patil threatened to not let the Budget session function smoothly on March 1, if the minister doesn’t resign and called on NCP chief Sharad Pawar silence on this issue, whose party is part of the Shiv Sena-led coalition government in Maharashtra.
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Pooja Chavan suicide case.
22-year-old Pooja Chavan - a social media influencer, who came from Beed to Pune to attend an educational course died by jumping from the first floor of her building on February 7. No suicide note was found from her, thus a case of accidental death was lodged at the Wanavdi police station.
She like, Rathod was from the Banjara community and involved actively in community work. She was seen in a few political campaigns.
Soon after Chavan’s death, several photos and audio clips surfaced purportedly linking her to Rathod. Rathod after the incident was not seen in his office in Mantralaya. His absence and his silence increased misgivings about his links to the woman, however, he has denied his involvement in the suicide case.