Thane: BJP MLA shoots former KDMC corporator over land dispute; critical

Shiv Sena functionary Mahesh Gaikwad/ Navneet Barhate

A former corporator of Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation sustained injuries after he was shot at by a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA. Shockingly, the incident played out in the cabin of a senior police inspector of the Hill Line Police Station and the officer's presence. MLA Ganpat Gaikwad shot at ex-KDMC corporator Mahesh Gaikwad, who heads Shiv Sena's city unit. Apart from Gaikwad, one of his supporters was injured in the firing.

With Lok Sabha elections nearby, the incident of firing between Shiv Sena and BJP office-bearers has raised a question over the law and order in the city.

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According to the police, the incident took place after 10 pm on Friday at the Hill Line police station.

BJP MLA Ganpat told the media that he indeed opened fire. He claimed Mahesh and others were allegedly trying to assault his son at the station and thus operated his firearm. He, in his public confession on media late last night, said that he had fired five rounds. "I don't regret it (dispensing firearm) since it happened in self-defence. They pushed my son at the door of the police station; and occupied my land forcibly. I was so upset that in the spur of the moment, I fired. What should I have done when my son was being beaten in front of the police inside the police station?'' said MLA Gaikwad.

MLA Gaikwad also levied a spate of allegations against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The preliminary information gathered during the probe stated that the two Gaikwads had locked horns over a land in Dwarli village of Ambernath Taluka.

"On Friday evening, the two went to the police station along with their supporters in an attempt to resolve the issue; however, they engaged in another verbal spat at the station which escalated and eventually the firing incident played out. The MLA allegedly fired five bullets from his weapon" an official told mid-day on condition of anonymity.

Gaikwad has been moved to Jupiter Hospital in Thane city since he is in critical condition; he and his associate were earlier taken to a private hospital in Ulhasnagar.

Meanwhile, supporters of the former corporator apart from family and friends gathered outside the hospitals where he was admitted. CM Shinde and his son, MP Shrikant Shinde along with party members reached Jupiter Hospital to check on Mahesh Gaikwad's condition.

The Thane Police, including the crime branch, swung into action and registered a case. Ganpat Gaikwad has reportedly been detained and further probe is underway.