Mumbai police arrest Pune student for threatening Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, his son on social media

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Mumbai police on Saturday arrested a 19-year-old student for allegedly threatening Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his son, MLA Shrikant Shinde, on social media. The accused has been identified as Shubham Warkad and he was arrested from Pune.

According to police sources, the accused had threatened the Chief Minister and his son by posting on social media platform X. The police had registered a case against the accused under sections 506 (2) and 505 (1) (B) of the IPC and started investigation.

Investigators revealed that Warkad, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), possessed a proficient understanding of computer technology. Originally from Nanded, he currently resides in Pune.

The incident came to light when a user named Abhay posted a message on social media on February 11, expressing intentions to engage in hooliganism and seeking guidance. Warkad responded to this post, promising to procure a weapon and targeting the Chief Minister and his son as the initial victims.

Upon receiving a complaint and verifying the seriousness of the threat, the police swiftly acted, coordinating with social media platform representatives to track down the suspect's profile. With the suspect located in Pune, Police detained him.

Following preliminary investigations confirming Warkad's involvement, a Mumbai Police team transported him to Mumbai for further legal proceedings. Sources said that he will be formally arrested after completion of necessary procedures in Mumbai.