In a startling incident, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Kalyan East MLA, Ganpat Gaikwad, allegedly opened fire at Shiv Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad in Thane’s Ulhasnagar. The incident, which occurred at a police station, has raised concerns about political violence and has led to the arrest of Ganpat Gaikwad. Here are the key details surrounding the incident:
Land Dispute Escalation: The incident is rooted in a land dispute, where Ganpat Gaikwad claims to have purchased a plot ten years ago. Allegedly, Mahesh Gaikwad occupied the land by force, leading to a long-standing dispute between the political leaders.
Police Station Clash: On Friday night, Ganpat Gaikwad’s son visited a police station in Ulhasnagar to file a complaint related to the land dispute. Mahesh Gaikwad arrived with his supporters, and a confrontation ensued at the police station.
Gunfire Eruption: As tensions escalated, a clash erupted between the supporters of Ganpat Gaikwad and Mahesh Gaikwad. In a shocking turn of events, Ganpat Gaikwad allegedly opened fire during a conversation between the two leaders in the hall of senior inspector Anil Jagtap of Hill Line police station.
Injuries and Treatment: Mahesh Gaikwad and one of his supporters were reportedly hit by five bullets during the firing. Both injured individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Mahesh Gaikwad is undergoing medical care at Jupiter Hospital.
Ganpat Gaikwad’s Arrest: Following the incident, Ganpat Gaikwad, along with two other accused, was brought to the Ulhasnagar Magistrate court. The court ordered Ganpat Gaikwad to be in police custody until February 14.
Allegations and Response: Ganpat Gaikwad, speaking to the media before his arrest, claimed that he used the firearm to defend his son, alleging that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is attempting to establish a ‘kingdom of criminals’ in Maharashtra.
Political Response: Deputy Chief Minister and State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a high-level probe into the incident to ascertain the circumstances leading to Ganpat Gaikwad’s opening fire. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut criticized the incident, expressing concerns about the growing lawlessness.
Concerns Over Political Violence: The incident has raised concerns about political violence and the use of firearms in resolving disputes. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar emphasized that elected representatives should not take the law into their own hands.
Ongoing Investigation: The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, examining the circumstances and motives behind Ganpat Gaikwad’s alleged use of a firearm.
The incident reflects a troubling escalation in the longstanding dispute between the political leaders and underscores the need for a swift and impartial investigation into the matter.