Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena on Wednesday removed Rajesh Shah as deputy leader amid controversy surrounding his son Mihir Shah's alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run case in Mumbai. The action comes days after Rajesh Shah's arrest and subsequent release on bail.
A one-line notice by Shiv Sena secretary Sanjay More said Rajesh Shah was relieved from the post of deputy leader. He will, however, continue to be a party member.
Mihir Shah, 24, was arrested on Tuesday from a resort in Virar after evading capture for three days. He is accused of driving a BMW that struck a scooter, killing a 45-year-old woman and injuring her husband.
According to police sources, Mihir confessed to switching seats with his driver and being behind the wheel at the time of the accident. He also admitted to fleeing the scene and attempting to disguise himself by shaving his beard.
Rajesh Shah, a close aide of Eknath Shinde, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the case. Police claim that he actively helped his son escape and instructed the family's driver to take the fall for the incident. Rajesh Shah has been accused of providing misinformation and destroying evidence.
A case of culpable homicide has been registered against Mihir Shah, who will be produced in court today. The police will seek his custody for further investigation.
The hit-and-run has sparked outrage, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde vowing to take strict action against those involved in such cases, regardless of their social status or political connections.
Mumbai's civic body has also taken action against the Juhu bar where Mihir Shah partied before the accident, demolishing an illegally constructed portion of the pub.
The Shinde Sena, which is part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, has come under fire from the Opposition over the case. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded that the BMW car crash be treated as murder while questioning the delay in apprehending the main accused.
"Where was Mihir Shah hiding for 60 hours? The Chief Minister must answer," Thackeray said.
