Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In the latest development in the Hanumannagar firing case, a second offence has been registered against local history-sheeter Pawan Divekar at Kranti Chowk police station for attempt to murder, firing, assaulting police personnel and attempting to flee near Paithangate.
Acting on a tip-off around 5 am on Tuesday that Divekar was hiding at Paithangate, a police team led by police sub inspector Arjun Raut, along with Sunil Mhaskhe, Prakash Dongre, Sandeep Bidkar and Ajay Kamble, rushed to apprehend him. During the operation, Divekar allegedly pushed PSI Raut, brandished a knife at Bidkar and tried to escape. Both Raut and Bidkar sustained injuries before he was overpowered. A case for obstructing government duty has been registered, and further investigation is underway. The firing incident stems from a dispute on the 14th at Pundliknagar over a photograph displayed during a procession, which escalated into gunfire at Hanumannagar Chowk on Thursday night. Divekar allegedly assaulted his former associate Nilesh Ranjane and his aides Aditya Dabhade, Akash Salunkhe, Amol Salunkhe and Omkar Giri before firing a shot in the air. In retaliation, Ranjane’s group reportedly attacked with knives. By Friday dawn, Pundliknagar police arrested eight persons, including Divekar and Ranjane. On Thursday, police also paraded Divekar in handcuffs at the firing spot, drawing a large crowd and signalling strict action against gang violence.