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In a startling incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ganpat Gaikwad was apprehended on Saturday for reportedly shooting and injuring a leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena inside a police station in Thane district, Maharashtra. The altercation, which unfolded within the confines of the Hill Line police station in Ulhasnagar, has once again thrust political tensions into the spotlight in the region.
According to Additional Commissioner of Police Dattatrya Shinde, the incident transpired on Friday night when Ganpat Gaikwad allegedly fired at Mahesh Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena chief of Kalyan, within the chamber of the senior inspector. The brazen act of violence has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum and raised questions about the safety and security of public spaces, including police stations.
Following the incident, Ganpat Gaikwad, along with two others, was promptly arrested by law enforcement authorities. They have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy), as per reports from PTI. The swift action taken by the police underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment to uphold the rule of law.
Ganpat Gaikwad, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, represents the Kalyan East constituency in the state legislative assembly as a member of the BJP. With a political career spanning several years, Gaikwad has secured victory in his constituency thrice consecutively, initially as an independent candidate in 2009 and 2014, followed by winning on a BJP ticket in 2019. However, his political journey has not been devoid of controversies, as reflected in the 18 pending criminal cases against him, as per his 2019 assembly election affidavit.
The recent altercation between supporters of the Shinde faction and the BJP in August had already hinted at simmering tensions in the region. Ganpat Gaikwad’s challenge to Mahesh for a duel in Kalyan East further exacerbated the situation, culminating in the confrontation at the agreed-upon location. The intervention of the Kolsewadi police prevented potential violence but failed to quell the underlying animosities between the political factions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of political rivalries and the urgent need for dialogue and restraint to prevent further escalation of violence. As investigations into the matter progress, it is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize peace and cooperation, steering clear of actions that undermine the democratic fabric of the nation.
