Son of Bureaucrat Arrested for Attempted Murder of Social Media Influencer

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amar Singh Jadhav has apprehended Ashwajit Anil Gaikwad, the son of a senior bureaucrat, for allegedly attempting to run over his girlfriend, a prominent social media influencer, with his car. The incident, which occurred in Thane district, has shocked the community and raised concerns about the safety of individuals in relationships with influential figures.

Thane Police has also arrested Gaikwad’s two associates, Romil Patil and Sagar Shedge, who were reportedly present during the incident. The authorities have seized the vehicle used in the crime as evidence.

The 26-year-old social media influencer sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) provided insight into the incident, stating, “The altercation occurred at approximately 4 am on Monday near a hotel on Ghodbunder Road, where the victim had arranged to meet Ashwajit.”

“An argument ensued between the victim, Ashwajit, and the two other individuals identified as Romil Patil and Sagar. The victim suffered severe injuries when the bureaucrat’s son allegedly attempted to run her over with his car. She was admitted to the hospital, where the police recorded her statement. A case has been registered against all three accused individuals under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code,” the officer explained.

The victim, who had been in a relationship with Ashwajit for over four years, expressed her shock upon discovering that he was married. She revealed, “We were deeply in love, and I was unaware of his marital status. When I found out, he assured me that he and his wife were separated and wanted to marry me. I had been living with him for a considerable time. However, on the night of the incident, when I went to meet him, he was with his wife. Seeing him with her was a devastating shock, and as I approached him to discuss the situation, he became aggressive, and we had a heated argument.”

The social media influencer shared the traumatic details of her injuries, stating, “I suffered multiple and severe injuries from my left shoulder to my hips. My right leg sustained three broken bones, requiring surgery. The extent of my injuries has left me immobile. Although I filed a First Information Report (FIR) on the day of the incident, no action was initially taken. It was only after I shared the incident on social media that the police came forward to support me.”

The police have registered a case against Ashwajit, Romil Patil, and Sagar under IPC sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering the life or personal safety of others), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) confirmed that further investigation is underway, based on the victim’s statement.

Priya Singh’s lawyer, Darshana Pawar, provided an update on her client’s condition, stating, “I met with Priya this morning, and while she is stable, her injuries are quite severe.”

Considering the gravity of the injuries sustained by the victim, legal experts have called for the inclusion of Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to attempted murder, in the charges against the accused. However, this addition has not yet been made. The lawyer expressed their intention to approach the High Court if the police fail to comply with the request within the specified timeframe.

This incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern for the safety of individuals involved in relationships with influential individuals. Investigations are ongoing, and the authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served.

(with agency inputs)