Opposition pressures state for Sambhaji Bhide's arrest

Mumbai: Opposition parties in Maharashtra are mounting pressure on the state government to take strict action against the “Shiv Pratishthan” organisation of Sambhaji Bhide.

Avinash Pawar, the latest arrested in the right-wing bomb-making case, was reportedly “in touch” with the Shiv Pratishthan and its chief, Mr Bhide.

The opposition has alleged that “political patronage” to these organisations has disturbed the peace and harmony of the state. This time, the entire opposition, including the Congress, NCP, communists and Republican groups are demanding firm action against Mr Bhide.

NCP’s Jitendra Awhad shared a photo on his Twitter account in which Mr Pawar can be seen with Mr Bhide. “The state must immediately interrogate Mr Bhide over this connection. Sudhanva Gondhalekar and Avinash Pawar have been proved to be his people. So, to get further details, his arrest is a must now.” Mr Awhad demanded.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said that people close to Mr Bhide being arrested was a sign of the activities being carried out by him. “We were demanding the arrest of Mr Bhide in the Bhima-Koregaon riots. It is becoming clear day by day that his activities are disturbing peace in the state. Such people should be imprisoned,” he said.

Communist leader Prakash Reddy demanded that the entire network of right-wing extremists be exposed. “Four murders and the plan to bomb many places in the state is nothing but terrorism. Shiv Pratishthan workers are being arrested by the ATS. This is the time to arrest Mr Bhide and expose their entire plan,” said Mr Reddy.