BJP MLA opens fire inside police station, injures a Shiv Sena colleague

A BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, opened fire inside a police station in Ulhasnagar in Thane district and injured Mahesh Gaikwad, a leader of the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Friday night - a development that snowballed into a major political issue in Maharashtra.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has demanded the resignation of BJP’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio.

The issue also reflects differences among the cadres of the Maha Yuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Ganpat Gaikwad, a three-time MLA from Kalyan, has been arrested by the Thane police.

Mahesh Gaikwad was initially admitted to the Mira Hospital and later shifted to the Jupiter Hospital in Thane city.

Over the past few months, there have been statements and counter-statements among leaders of the two parties - Shiv Sena and BJP. While Shinde Senior has not commented so far, Ajit Pawar has taken serious exception to the incident and had apparently spoken to Fadnavis over the issue.

Ganpat Gaikwad’s son had come to the police station to lodge a complaint in connection with a land dispute when Mahesh Gaikwad arrived along with his men. Later, Ganpat Gaikwad also reached the police station. During an altercation, Ganpat Gaikwad allegedly fired shots at Mahesh Gaikwad and injured him badly.

The gunshots could be heard by the crowd which had assembled outside the police station. At least 10 rounds have been fired, police officials said. “We have lodged an FIR and investigations are in progress,” Additional Commissioner of Police Dattatrya Shinde said.

“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,” said Ganpati Gaikwad as he was taken into custody. “The Chief Minister is trying to establish a kingdom of criminals in Maharashtra,” he alleged.

Under fire from all quarters, Fadnavis ordered a probe by a Special investigation team (SIT), which will be led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Nilesh Sonawane.