Panvel Police Arrest Local Politician Following Viral Video of Gun Firing Incident

Authorities in Panvel have taken into custody a local politician, identified as Rahul Patil, following a widely circulated video showing an individual firing a round into the air. The arrest comes in connection with a recent incident involving BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad firing at Mahesh Gaikwad last month, during which the politician in question was also injured.

Case Background

The incident in question occurred on March 12 following a bullock cart race held in Dungi village near Panvel. After the losing team reacted angrily, one individual resorted to firing a gun. The Panvel city police subsequently filed a case against 15 individuals involved in the altercation, including the man who discharged the firearm, with efforts underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.

According to a complaint lodged by Abhaysingh Patil, a constable attached to the Panvel police station, the altercation arose between Rahul Patil and his rival Jayesh Patil, whose respective bullock carts had participated in the race. Following Jayesh Patil’s victory, supporters of the winning team were celebrating when an enraged Rahul Patil allegedly mobilized his followers to hurl stones and attempt to assault the opposing group.

“Rahul Patil was also seen firing a round into the air, a moment captured in a viral video from the scene. Based on this footage, a case has been registered, and our investigation is ongoing to determine whether Rahul Patil has a criminal record. If he is found to possess a firearm license, it will be revoked immediately,” stated a senior official from the Panvel city police, speaking on condition of anonymity. Charges have been filed under relevant sections of the IPC and Arms Act, with further inquiries currently underway.