Mumbai: Amid mounting criticism, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, on Wednesday sacked Rajesh Shah, whose son Mihir Shah was allegedly involved in the BMW hit-and-run, as the party’s deputy leader. A one-line notice by Shiv Sena secretary Sanjay More said Rajesh Shah has been relieved from the post of the party’s deputy leader. Shah, however, continues to be a member of the Shiv Sena.

The opposition has heavily criticised the Sena over the incident that claimed a woman’s life. A BMW car driven by Mihir Shah allegedly rammed into a two-wheeler in the Worli area of south-central Mumbai on Sunday morning, resulting in the death of Kaveri Nakhwa (45), who was riding pillion, while her husband Pradeep survived with injuries, police have said.

Police had said that Shah, a Sena politician from the adjoining Palghar district, actively ensured Mihir’s escape after the car crash. He is currently out on bail.