Maharashtra: BJP MLA arrested for shooting at Shiv Sena leader
MLA Ganpat Gaikwad of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and two of his associates were arrested by the Thane Police on Saturday for allegedly shooting at Shiv Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad. The incident took place inside the Hill Line Police Station at Ulhasnagar in Maharashtra's Thane district, on Friday night. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sudhakar Pathare said a property dispute appears to be the motive, and further investigation is underway.
Ganpat, associates booked for attempt to murder
The two associates of Ganpat arrested by the police have been identified as Harshal Nana Kene and Sandeep Sarvankar. All three have been booked under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy), per reports. Meanwhile, Mahesh and other victims are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Ongoing investigation, eyewitness accounts
The police said they were searching for three more accused in connection with the shooting incident. A senior officer stated they were recording statements from eyewitnesses and reviewing CCTV footage to determine the exact sequence of events. The cop said would also examine the property dispute between Ganpat and Mahesh. The incident occurred after both parties arrived at the Hill Line Police Station at 10:00pm on Friday following a property dispute, which escalated into an argument followed by the shooting.
More about shooting incident
Additional CP Dattatrya Shinde claimed Ganpat fired at Mahesh inside the senior inspector's cabin at the Hill Line Police Station. He said Ganpat's son came to file a complaint in connection with the land dispute when Mahesh arrived along with his supporters. Later, Ganpat reached the police station. During the subsequent altercation, the MLA allegedly fired shots at the Sena leader, injuring him and his associate. Notably, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Sena faction is the BJP's coalition partner in Maharashtra.
What Ganpat said before arrest; Mahesh's condition
Speaking to reporters before his arrest, Ganpat said he used the firearm as his son was allegedly being beaten. "I have no regrets. If my son is being beaten in front of the police inside the police station, what will I do," said Ganpat. He claimed CM Shinde was trying to establish a "kingdom of criminals" in Maharashtra. Mahesh was shifted to a private hospital and underwent surgery. His condition is said to be critical; he is on a ventilator.
