MUMBAI, March 5: A high school watchman told the Gundewar commission on Thursday that there was no mob at Ramabai Nagar colony on July 11, 1997 when he was hit by two bullets.Hiraman Gaikwad, a watchman employed with St Theresa's high school, Girgaum and a resident of Ramabai Nagar, said during examination-in-chief by counsel for the commission Vijay Pradhan that on that day he was going to work as usual. He said that he was hit by a bullet in the stomach and another in his chest when he stepped out of his hutment located near Bhikshu Niwas.The watchman said that he was taken to Rajawadi Hospital but could not recall by who adding that when he was injured he did not see any police officer or any police constable at the spot. He said that at that time he could only see the highway and the bullets came from the Western side (from the spot where he was hit) from where the highway could be seen.Gaikwad said that after being felled by the bullet, he tried to go towards the D B Pawar chowk since he feltthat he would be hit again if he went towards his house. Gaikwad further said that he was operated twice in the stomach and added that he was given a compensation of Rs 50,000 by the State Government and Rs 2000 by Arun Gawli. Later, the police recorded his statement for the next five to six days.In reply to a question during cross-examination, Gaikwad said that the bust of Dr B R Ambedkar was garlanded with chappals. And he also denied that he was a part of the rampaging mob.
