Swift action for Tanaji Sawant’s son but murder accused remains at large: Supriya Sule

Swift return of Tanaji Sawant's son highlights disparity in police action, criticised by NCP for favouring influential individuals over common citizens.

While swift action by the police and State machinery ensured the safe return of Shiv Sena MLA and former Minister Tanaji Sawant’s son just four hours after Mr. Sawant claimed he had been kidnapped, the prime accused in the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was still at large even 60 days after the murder, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) said on Tuesday (February 11, 2025), criticising the State government for the glaring disparity in action.

“The government mobilised its entire machinery to bring back Tanaji Sawant’s son. If the Home department works with the same dedication, Krishna Andhale [the prime accused] can also be brought to justice,” said Ms. Sule during her interaction with the media in New Delhi.

On Monday (February 10, 2025) evening, a dramatic turn of events unfolded as Pune Police launched an investigation into the alleged abduction of Rushiraj Sawant (32). However, the situation took an unexpected twist when it was revealed that Mr. Rushiraj had boarded a chartered flight to Bangkok without informing his father and in turn the former Minister lodged a kidnapping complaint, which forced the police to register a case and launch a probe immediately, considering the profile of the allegedly missing person. They soon coordinated with aviation authorities to track the flight and contacted the pilot.

The incident came to a close late Monday (February 10, 2025) night when the chartered flight, originally bound for Bangkok, Thailand, was diverted back to Pune. Mr. Rushiraj and his two friends were onboard the aircraft when it landed in Pune.

Authorities later confirmed that Mr. Rushiraj had left for Bangkok of his own accord, and there was no abduction involved.

Ms. Sule pointed out the disparity in the government’s priorities. “Yesterday’s incident clearly showcased how efficient the Home department and police can be. They successfully recalled the plane carrying the son of a ruling party MLA mid-air, proving their competence. Yet, the same authorities have failed to track down Krishna Andhale for two months. This is unacceptable,” she said.

She further criticised the government, saying, “The Home department shows exceptional dedication for personal matters of influential individuals but lacks similar urgency in delivering justice to the common man. This is the real question that needs addressing.”