BJP leader Ganpat Gaikwad shoots Shinde faction leader at Thane police station, arrested

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ganpat Gaikwad allegedly opened fire at Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) faction leader Mahesh Gaikwad.

The incident reportedly took place on Friday night at Hill Line Police Station in Ulhasnagar.

Ganpat Gaikwad, BJP MLA from Thane, is known for his considerable influence in the region. He represents the Kalyan East constituency in Kalyan, about 40 km from Mumbai. His party is in alliance with Mr Shinde’s Sena in the Maharashtra government. The incident has brought to light the ongoing political dominance struggle between Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Mahesh Gaikwad in the same locality, escalating tensions for a considerable period.

Meeting takes violent turn

The dispute reached a critical juncture today when both political leaders went to the Hill Line police station in Kalyan East for a discussion related to an ongoing feud. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to gunfire within the police station premises. Mahesh Gaikwad has been admitted to Jupiter Hospital and is in critical condition, sustaining four gunshot wounds. Another casualty in the incident is Rahul Patil, who was also shot and is receiving medical attention.

Ganpat arrested, Mahesh’s supports gather on streets

Five bullets were found in his body and his condition remains critical. Ganesh has been arrested and will be presented in court today. Late in the night, a case was filed under Section 307 (attempt to murder). An FIR has been lodged against a total of 6 individuals. While 3, including the MLA, have been taken into custody, the remaining 3 are currently evading capture, with police actively pursuing them. Gaikwad said that he opened fire in self-defence, citing misbehaviour by Mahesh’s supporters towards his son. The incident resulted in a heavy police presence and a tense atmosphere.

Large crowds of Mahesh Gaikwad’s supporters had gathered on the streets. Maharashtra Deputy CM and Home Minister Devendra Fadanavis has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident