The BJP-Shiv Sena spat over the killing of 'man-eater' tigress Avni continued on Saturday too, straining the ties between the ruling partners in state and at the Centre ahead of 2019 general and five-state assembly elections.

Terming Maharashtra government's constitution of a committee to probe Avni killing a 'farce', Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray said: "Those who had given the 'supari' (contract) to kill the tigress have been made members of the (probe) committee." also demanded that a panel be formed under a retired judge to probe the tigress' killing.

According to Sena sources, Thackeray, a known animal lover and a wildlife photographer, has approached the issue "in a very touchy manner". Recently, he had held an exhibition of his photos to raise money for Marathwada's drought-hit.

Responding to Uddhav, Forest Minister Sudhir Mungatiwar said if the Sena president is not happy with the probe panel, then "we are ready to set up an inquiry committee under Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray himself. Thackeray is a senior and main leader of our alliance government. If he does not accept the probe panel chief, then I would like to request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to set up a high-level probe under any retired judge of Supreme Court. My request to everyone is to stop this low-level blame-game politics. This is very unfortunate," Mungantiwar said.

Accusing Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar of ordering the murder of Avni, Uddhav had even hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "For the surgical strike, Modi did not go inside Pakistan. Still, he and his party want to take the credit. If you want to take credit in the surgical strike, then Mungantiwar needs to take the blame and sin of killing Avni. They cannot shrug off their responsibilities," Thackeray said.

Jumping in this political fight, Uddhav's son Aaditya Thackeray also raised objections over the government setting up probe panel under Secretary. Jr. Thackeray expressed his anger through a series of tweets. He said: "All officers involved must face not only a judicial inquiry, but also a narco/lie detector test."

Aaditya further said "committee for inquiring on the hunting of tigress Avni is sham. It is only arrogant, thick skimmed way to give each other a clean chit and call the hunt legal. It includes everyone who reports to minister (who support this hunt) and those who possibly invited the hunter." He demanded a free and fair judicial inquiry if there is nothing to hide. "This government committee is a farce. Rather just give a clean chit and say that state government is supporting the hunting arrogantly."

Death Of Tigers In Maharashtra

14 deaths 2015

16 deaths 2016

21 deaths 2017

FACTFILE

• 2017 toll is second highest in the country after Madhya Pradesh. 
• India’s biggest tiger Jay has been missing too.