Days after social media star Pooja Chavan died under mysterious circumstances in Pune; the issue is blowing into a major political issue in Maharashtra.
Mounting pressure on the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government as Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis has called for a detailed probe.
Fadnavis, a former Chief Minister, has written to Director General of Police Hemant Nagrale and has submitted dozen-odd audio clips that had gone viral on social media.
The name of an MVA leader is being linked to the issue – and it could give some uneasy moments for the ruling dispensation.
Hailing from Parli in Beed district, Pooja (22), a popular TikTok star, was staying in Pune and attending an English speaking course.
She was staying in the Wanawadi area with her brother and friend – and allegedly died by suspected suicide by jumping off from a building on 9 February.
State BJP’s women’s cell President Archana Patil met Pune Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta and demanded a detailed investigation. “The name of a minister is being linked to her and hence we need a proper probe and this is our request,” she said.
“Her family is under pressure,” BJP’s women’s wing leader Chitra Wagh said and urged state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh for a probe.
“The Banjara community is disturbed after the incident and hence it is imperative that a proper investigation is done,” Fadnavis said in the letter to Nagrale.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is the Guardian Minister of Pune, said that the police is investigating the suicide. “Once the investigations are complete, the truth will come out,” he said.
Published 12 February 2021, 12:55 IST