Gunmen attack Sena candidate

Bhosale has alleged that Bapu Pathare,the Nationalist Congress Party candidate in Wadgaonsheri,and his nephew Santosh Bharne were behind the attack. Pathare has denied the allegation,calling it politically motivated.

Bhosale said: “We were passing in front of German Bakery when two persons fired at our jeep. I asked Shakil to follow their motorcycle. We followed them till ABC Farms. The assailants fired again. Shakil was hit. I took him to Ruby Hall hospital.

There was tension outside Ruby Hall clinic for some time as hundreds of Shiv Sainiks gathered outside. Bhosale,accompanied by several Sainiks,later registered a complaint with Bund Garden police.

Sudhir Bapur who was in the jeep with Bhosale,said,“Raza Shah,Manoj Gavhane,Shakil Yusuf Sayyed and I were in the jeep. The assailants had hidden the gun behind a laptop bag.”

Bhosale alleged Pathare was behind the attack and claimed that the strong support he has in Wadgaonsheri had made Pathare jittery.

Pathare said the allegations were baseless. “It is unfortunate that such an incident happened on the last day of campaigning. My opponents are nervous because of the popularity I enjoy among voters. They know they are losing and that’s why they are making such charges. I am ready for any probe,the law should take its own course,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Satish Khandhare said,We have some clues about the assailants. Police are trying to trace them. We are exploring the case from all angles. If need be,we would call Pathare and Bharne for questioning. The Election Commission has been informed.”

Khandhare said the FIR filed by Bhosale says the assailants were less than 30 years of age. A personal rivalry angle has not been ruled out.

“There are a few cases registered against Bhosale pertaining to fights and illegal gathering,” said Khandhare.