Puja Chavan suicide case: Opposition takes aggressive stand

Former chief minister and leader of opposition in the assembly, Devendra Fadanvis has written a letter to state police director-general demanding a comprehensive and thorough enquiry into the matter. CM Thakre has gathered information about the case. Yet, he nor the state home minister have ordered any probe. It is being alleged that the state government is deliberately dilly-dallying on this matter. In this backdrop, ETV Bharat spoke to various political leaders to know their views.

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Political atmosphere in the state over the issue of suicide of a 22-year-old girl, Puja Chavan, resident of Parali in Beed district, is getting hotter. Various audio clips related to this suicide have become viral on social media now. BJP women's front leader Chitra Vagh has taken the name of Shivsena leader and state forest minister Sanjay Rathod in connection with Puja’s suicide. The opposition leaders also have demanded action against the minister. The Banjara community, to which Puja Chavan used to belong, is extremely upset with her suicide.

Don’t wait, file a crime of homicide: Chitra Vagh, BJP

BJP women front chief Chitra Vagh said that "Puja Chavan has committed suicide by jumping from the third story of building Heaven Park in Mahammad Wadi in Pune. Police have registered the case as an accidental death. There is a lot of evidence on her mobile. Police have got conversations from her mobile phone, in which, she was being asked to refrain from taking an extreme step and instructing to take over her mobile by the minister."

"Everybody has listened to the conversation as the audio clips have been viral. She alleged that police are not doing anything and keeping mum. "Family of Puja Chavan may be under pressure. I should not tell you that, police can register a crime suo motu in such cases. But, political will is more important. Chitra Vagh has criticized CM Thackeray for not issuing the orders of the arrest of the minister. Puja’s family is demanding a probe into the death of their daughter. Vagh has also flayed the state home minister.

Police will take action if found something: Ajit Pawar

When asked about this case, deputy CM Ajit Pawar said that police are enquiring into this matter and if some things come up, action will be definitely taken.

Fadanvis wrote a letter to state DG

Devendra Fadanvis in a letter written to state police director general (DG) that, some audio clips have become viral on social media. His letter stated, "My office has received 12 such clips. I am sending a copy of those clips for you. Who are the people involved in that conversation, what is the real meaning of those dialogues,
whether Puja really committed suicide or she was forced to end her life are the questions arising from these clips? Suspicion is there about her death. I have to mention with regret that, the police are investigating the matter casually. Banjara community is alleging that the suicide by Puja or the chronology behind her step is extremely suspicious. Deep and comprehensive probe into these clips is very essential. The matter should be probed immediately and stringent action should be taken against culprits." Fadanvis asked DG to give justice to the girl who was extremely popular in Banjara community.

Shocking incident, we want a thorough probe: Punkaja Munde

Former MLA Punkaja Munde in a tweet said that the news of the death of a girl in her constituency is very shocking. This matter should be probe thoroughly.

Women will lose the trust in state government: Chandrakant Patil

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil, in his reaction, said that, If CM Uddhav Thackeray does not take action against culprits in Puja Chavan case, women will lose trust in the state government.

It is not fair to connect name of Sanjay Rathod: Eknath Shinde

State minister Eknath Shinde, taking a cautious stand, said that, the suicide of Puja Chavan is unfortunate. But, it is not fair to connect it directly to a minister. The matter is extremely sensitive and will be thoroughly probed. When the information of inquiry will come, then only it will be proper to say something. Till then commenting will be premature.

No need to take name of minister, be patient: Jayant Patil

Another minister and NCP state unit president Jayant Patil said that, though I don’t know the facts, I think, it is not needed to take name of any minister directly. If we see the incidents in the past, we can understand that, anybody can be defamed systematically. So, patience is needed in this case.

Register a case of homicide: Atul Bhatkhalkar

BJP spokesperson Atul Bhatkhalkar in a scathing attack said that, some audio clips have been viral in connection with Puja Chavan suicide. Those clips should be taken over by police. They should be sent to forensic lab and ascertain the voice in the clips. The laptop should be scanned. Instead of investigating, CM Thakre is committing a sin of saving the culprits. He also asked to register a crime of homicide.

Many organizations demand probe

BJP women front today submitted a memorandum to Pune police commissioner Amitabh Gupta, demanding thorough inquiry of the matter. Farmer leader and Vimukta Ghumantu Janjati Mahasabha state president Manish Jadhav while expressing willingness to lead the agitation of Banjara community.

Posts on social media supporting minister

The state is gripped by political storm due to Puja Chavan's suicide. In Yawatmal district, a furious post war on social media is taking place. Amhi Amchya Rajasobat (We are with our king), Sigha Chehra, Itihas Gehra like slogans have become viral. This has triggered a huge stir in the district.