In a shocking incident of political violence, a former corporator of the Solapur Municipal Corporation and her family members have been arrested for the alleged murder of a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) office-bearer. The crime, which occurred on Friday in Solapur city, stemmed from an altercation linked to the withdrawal of a nomination for the upcoming civic polls.
The Fatal Altercation and Arrests
Solapur police commissioner M Rajkumar confirmed the arrest of five individuals, including former corporator Shalan Shinde. A total of 15 people have been formally charged in the case. The police have also secured the murder weapons used in the attack. The victim, Balasaheb Saravade (36), who served as the city president of the MNS students' wing, was declared dead upon arrival at the civil hospital.
According to the police, Saravade succumbed to multiple stab wounds. A critical stab to the chest punctured his heart, leading to his death. His brother, Bajirao Saravade, also sustained injuries during the attack and provided a statement to the police detailing the events.
The arrested accused include Shalan Shinde and her sons and family members Rahul, Tanaji, Atish, and Amar Shinde. Her husband is currently among those absconding. They face charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 103 (murder), 109 (attempt to murder), 189, 190, 352, and 351. While Shalan Shinde has been remanded to two-day police custody, the other four accused have been granted a four-day police remand.
Root of the Conflict: A Withdrawn Nomination
The chain of events began with a political nomination. As per the complainant's account, Rekha Saravade, the sister-in-law of the deceased, had filed a nomination hoping to secure a ticket from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the municipal elections. However, the party ticket was instead awarded to Shalan Shinde, a former corporator who resides in the same neighbourhood as the Saravade family.
The complaint alleges that Shalan Shinde, along with her husband and sons, threatened the Saravade family with harm if Rekha's nomination was not withdrawn. Fearing continued conflict, Rekha eventually withdrew her candidacy.
The situation escalated on Friday when Balasaheb Saravade and two others visited the Shinde residence. There, Shinde's son allegedly taunted them about the withdrawal and warned them not to cross his path again. A heated argument erupted around 5 pm and lasted roughly five minutes. It quickly turned violent when Shalan Shinde's husband and sons arrived armed with swords and a machete.
The police report, citing the complaint, states that Shalan Shinde threw chilli powder into Balasaheb Saravade's eyes, after which her family members attacked him. Election officials clarified to the media that Shalan Shinde has not been elected unopposed, as other candidates are still contesting from the ward.
Political Fallout and Investigation
The murder has triggered significant political repercussions and a security response. Balasaheb Saravade was cremated on Saturday afternoon, with police heightening security in the Joshi Galli area of Solapur. Amit Thackeray, MNS politician and son of party chief Raj Thackeray, is scheduled to visit Solapur on Sunday to meet the grieving family.
Opposition politicians have accused prominent BJP functionaries of pressuring Rekha Saravade to withdraw and emboldening the Shinde family, actions they claim ultimately led to the murder. A delegation led by Congress MP Praniti Shinde and former MLA and left leader Narsayya Adam met Police Commissioner M Rajkumar to demand a thorough probe.
Commissioner Rajkumar assured that the investigation is in its preliminary stages and that all past events will be examined to uncover any further links. The politicians also raised allegations that the son of a prominent BJP functionary is contesting from the same ward, and that there was an intent to ensure all party candidates in Ward 2 won unopposed.
The case continues to develop as police pursue the absconding accused and delve deeper into the political motives behind the brutal killing.
