Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has dubbed the arrest of its Ahmednagar MLA- in the case related to the murder of two Shiv Sena workers, Sanjay Kotkar and Vasant Thube, on Saturday a “conspiracy” against the party. In the wake of Sangram Jagtap, an MLA from Nagar city, being arrested by the local police in the case Sunday evening, NCP leader Ajit Pawar called it the government's malicious intention to defame the party.

Ajit Pawar said, “Mr Jagtap has nothing to do with the murder. The police should find out the mastermind behind this killing. It is their responsibility. But Mr Jagtap will come out clean from this.”

Along with Mr Jagtap, the police also arrested a BJP MLA, Shivaji Kardile, in connection with the case for allegedly vandalising a police officer's office. Mr Kardile’s name, too, features in the FIR in connection with the murder case. The murders were committed after the Ahmednagar bypolls even as the police was busy examining whether they were connection to election rivalry.

Meanwhile, NCP’s Ahmednagar in-charge, Dilip Walse-Patil, warned the Shiv Sena against defamation. “They (Sena leaders) are taking the names of NCP’s local leaders in the case. But, everyone on the ground knows the real culprit in the case. Who attacked the police station and who was behind the murder is well-known. Sena leaders should prove their allegations otherwise we will have to take legal action against them,” said Mr Walse-Patil.

 Meanwhile, former NCP leader and present minister of state for home, Deepak Kesarkar, taunted the NCP saying, “NCP is known for its support to such goons in politics. I left the party and joined the Sena in a similar manner. So, the NCP must not call it a conspiracy as the people of the state are well aware about it.”