Investigation Underway After Son of Shiv Sena Leader Disappears from Pune Airport

Synopsis
Rishiraj Sawant, son of Shiv Sena leader Tanaji Sawant, has gone missing from Pune airport, prompting police investigation. The incident raises concerns within the political community as authorities follow leads regarding a potential kidnapping.
Key Takeaways
- Rishiraj Sawant reported missing from Pune airport.
- Police investigation initiated after a call about kidnapping.
- Authorities have set up barricades around the city.
- Tanaji Sawant maintains contact with police for updates.
- Contradictory reports suggest Rishiraj went for a walk.
Pune, Feb 10 (NationPress) Rishiraj Sawant, the son of former Health Minister and Shiv Sena deputy leader Tanaji Sawant, has reportedly vanished from Pune airport on Monday. He was dropped off by his driver earlier in the afternoon and has not been spotted since.
Upon receiving the report, a police team promptly arrived at the airport and initiated an investigation. This alarming event has sent ripples through the state's political landscape.
The authorities have issued an alert and intensified their inquiry. Police reports indicate that Rishiraj's phone was turned off as he headed towards Bangkok. Tanaji Sawant is in regular communication with law enforcement, receiving updates on the situation.
According to police sources, around 5 PM, an anonymous call to the Pune Police control center claimed that Rishiraj had been kidnapped from the airport and was taken away in a white Swift car. In response, police personnel were dispatched to the location, and officers also visited Tanaji Sawant's residence in Katraj. Following the kidnapping report, an investigation commenced to determine if any ransom demands had been made.
The police have established barricades at multiple points across the city. The zonal commissioner is monitoring the situation closely. While a search operation is underway, Tanaji Sawant's personal assistant stated that Rishiraj was not kidnapped but rather had gone for a walk.
During Eknath Shinde's tenure as Chief Minister, Tanaji Sawant served as the Health Minister in his Cabinet. He has several institutions in Pune and was re-elected from the Paranda constituency in the 2024 Assembly election but was not reinstated in the Cabinet, which led to his expressed dissatisfaction regarding the omission.