In a shocking incident in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad opened fire on Mahesh Gaikwad, a faction leader of the Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde group, during a heated argument. The incident, caught on CCTV, has led to the arrest of the BJP MLA and two of his associates, who have been remanded in police custody until February 14.
The dispute between Ganpat Gaikwad and Mahesh Gaikwad revolves around a land dispute, escalating tensions between the two political leaders. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis have taken swift action, ordering a high-level inquiry into the matter and forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident.
The dramatic CCTV footage from a police station near Mumbai reveals the sequence of events that unfolded during the confrontation. The video shows Ganpat Gaikwad engaged in a discussion with Mahesh Gaikwad and three other individuals inside the senior police inspector’s chamber at Hill Line police station. The atmosphere appears calm initially, but tensions quickly escalate.
In the two-minute footage, Ganpat Gaikwad abruptly stands up, brandishing a gun, and fires at one of the men present, triggering chaos in the room. As the victims attempt to escape, the BJP MLA fires again, causing panic. Police officials enter the scene, but Ganpat Gaikwad continues the assault, striking one of the men with the butt of his gun.
The BJP MLA claimed that he acted in self-defence, asserting that his son was being assaulted by associates of the Shiv Sena leader in front of the police. However, the CCTV footage contradicts this claim, raising questions about the true nature of the incident.
After the arrest of Ganpat Gaikwad and his associates, a court remanded them in police custody until February 14. Meanwhile, Mahesh Gaikwad and one of his aides are undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds.
In response to the incident, Ganpat Gaikwad criticized Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing him of attempting to establish a “kingdom of criminals” in Maharashtra. He alleged that Shinde had betrayed both Uddhav Thackeray and the BJP, urging his resignation for the better management of the state.
The opposition, including the Congress and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), has demanded Chief Minister Shinde’s resignation, citing a breakdown in law and order in the state. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut placed blame on Shinde for the unfortunate incident. The aftermath of this violent clash has ignited political tensions and raised concerns about the state’s governance.
