Thane Man Arrested Within 12 Hours for Threatening Eknath Shinde Online

Thane, 7th January 2025: A 24-year-old resident of Thane was arrested within 12 hours on Sunday for allegedly posting a death threat against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on social media. The accused, identified as Hitesh Dhende, was apprehended in a forested area between Thane and Mulund, police said.

Authorities are yet to determine the motive behind the threat. Preliminary reports suggest that Dhende had a confrontation with security personnel in Kalwa before posting the threatening video. A police official revealed that Dhende had previously visited Mantralaya and other government offices and had used a friend’s phone to upload the video.

“We will present the accused in court and investigate his intentions,” the officer added.

The threat caused significant unrest in Thane, Shinde’s stronghold, prompting a large gathering of Shiv Sena workers outside the police station demanding strict action. Following their demands, an FIR was registered in the case. Dhende, who is a Class IX dropout, remains in custody as the investigation continues.