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A leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ganpat Gaikwad, was arrested after he reportedly shot and wounded a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Shiv Sena party, Mahesh Gaikwad. The incident, which happened over a land dispute, took place late Friday night inside a police station in Thane, at the Hill Line police station in Ulhasnagar to be precise.
The conflict escalated at around 10:30 PM, leading to Ganpat Gaikwad allegedly firing at Mahesh Gaikwad. The injured Shiv Sena leader was then taken to a hospital in Thane city for treatment. Following the incident, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed.
In a PTI report, Ganpat Gaikwad stated that he defended his actions, saying he used the firearm because the police station was assaulting his son. He also accused Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of trying to create a “kingdom of criminals” in Maharashtra.
“Yes, I shot (him) myself. I have no regrets. If my son is being beaten in front of the police inside the police station, what will I do,” Ganpat Gaikwad was quoted by PTI.
An eye-witness reported that five bullets hit Mahesh Gaikwad and one of his supporters. The incident started when Ganpat Gaikwad’s son went to the police station to file a complaint about a land dispute. Mahesh Gaikwad arrived there with his group, and later, Ganpat Gaikwad also came.
There was a fight between the MLA and the Sena leader. During this, Ganpat Gaikwad allegedly shot at Mahesh Gaikwad in the senior inspector’s office, hurting him and one of his associates.
Who is BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad
Ganpat Kalu Gaikwad, born on June 14, 1968, is a prominent Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has been serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Kalyan East constituency in Maharashtra.
Gaikwad has had a successful political career, winning the election from the Kalyan East constituency three times in a row. His political journey began as an independent candidate, winning the elections in 2009 and 2014. Later, he joined the BJP and secured a ticket from the party for the 2019 elections, which he won.
However, his political career has not been without controversy. According to his 2019 assembly election affidavit, Gaikwad has 18 pending criminal cases against him. Despite these challenges, he continues to be an influential figure in his constituency and the BJP.
BJP MLA arrested, investigation and concerns raised
In addition to arresting BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, the authorities have also arrested two others. The police have arrested two others besides Ganpat Gaikwad. The authorities have booked them under Indian Penal Code sections, including 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
The police took Gaikwad to the station for a medical check-up and will present him in court today. Authorities arrested three people, Gaikwad among them, in relation to the incident. DCP Sudhakar Pathare stated, “We have registered a case against six people, and arrested three of them. We are still searching for the other three.”
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Devendra Fadanavis, has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. The Crime Branch has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ACP Nilesh Sonawane, to investigate the incident.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey commented on the incident, expressing concern about the conflict within the government. He said, “This shooting happened inside a police station. BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad fired at Shiv Sena Shinde Faction leader Mahesh Gaikwad. It’s unfortunate that an MLA, who should be working for the welfare of the people, is involved in such violence.”
Dubey also expressed concern about the state of law and order in Maharashtra, describing it as a “jungle raj”. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut echoed these sentiments, stating that such incidents could even occur at Mantralaya and the Chief Minister’s Office.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar called for strict action against public representatives with a criminal mindset, warning that the situation could worsen as elections approach.
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