Ugly turn to PCMC by-poll

PUNE, Nov 29: Wife of slain history-sheeter and PCMC corporator Anil Hegde, Jaya, was threatened by four persons - alleged to be the workers...

PUNE, Nov 29: Wife of slain history-sheeter and PCMC corporator Anil Hegde, Jaya, was threatened by four persons – alleged to be the workers of Akhil Bharatiya Sena – during the polling for the bye-elections for ward number 31 (CIRT, Bhosari) of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Sunday.

Barring this incident and at least eight cases of bogus voting, polling was peaceful amidst a tight police security. A 53 per cent voters turnout was registered. Of the 4169 voters, 2232 voters exercised their franchise. Counting of votes will commence tomorrow from 8 am at the PCMC main administrative building.

The seat was vacant since March 20 when Hegde was murdered in a gang rivalry.

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Two alleged workers of Akhil Bharatiya Sena, an outfit floated by Arun Gavli, were arrested by Bhosari police after Jaya Hegde lodged a First Information Report against them. A search is on for their two accomplices.

In her FIR, Jaya stated that she was threatened while she was campaigning for Shiv Sena candidate Pratik Zumbare around 10.30 am. The quadruple allegedly intercepted Jaya in Bhosari MIDC while she was walking down toward Phulenagar from the polygrass stadium. They threatened to murder Jaya if she left her home again during the day, the FIR said.

Seven persons including two woman were arrested by the Bhosari police after they tried to cast votes after impersonating. All these seven persons tried to poll at polling centre number 5, police said.

There were five polling booths, including three at the Savitribai Phule Prashala at Landewadi and the remaining at the polygras ground.