Pune: Former Corporator Shekhar Ovhal has been arrested in connection with the Ravet firing case in which his alleged political rival was shot to death. Police suspect that the killing was a fallout of a political rivalry between the deceased and Ovhal during the bye-election of Chinchwad Assembly Constituency which happened in March 2023.
The incident happened late last night around 10 PM in the Ravet area. Unknown assailants fatally shot seven to eight individuals with firearms. The victim has been identified as Amol Gorgale, who succumbed to his injuries from the attack. Amol was also accompanied by a co-worker who sustained injuries during the incident.
Following the incident, charges have been filed against Shekhar Ashok Ovhal, alias Munna alias Abhishek Ovhal, Samir Shaikh, Mahesh Kadam, Ganesh Kadam, and three other unidentified individuals under applicable laws. Allegedly, a heated dispute from a meeting in the Chinchwad Assembly constituency triggered the incident leading to Amol's tragic death.
According to police reports, Amol Gorgale, who was critically injured by firearms in an untimely incident around 10 PM, was immediately rushed to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Shekhar Ovhal, a former corporator who had recently switched to a political party, was also present when the firing incident happened. He was apprehended by the police in Ravet.
Previously involved in a dispute with Amol Gorgale during the Chinchwad Assembly constituency election, Shekhar Ovhal had transitioned to the BJP from NCP.
Charges were previously filed against Amol Gorgale in connection with the alleged murder plot of Ovhal. Gorgale was arrested a few months ago after being released from prison. Police are currently searching for other suspects involved in the incident.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a victory in the Chinchwad Assembly constituency by-election in Maharashtra today. Party candidate Ashwini Jagtap won by a margin of 36,168 votes. This by-election was held following the death of the sitting MLA, her husband Laxman Jagtap.