BJP corporator Vivek Yadav injured in firing

Pune Cantonment Board member injured in firing in Camp area during Ganesh immersion procession

Vivek Yadav, BJP corporator of ward number V of Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), was seriously injured when a criminal with a police record, opened fire at him with a countrymade pistol during the Ganesh immersion procession. The incident took place about 300 metres from Poolgate police chowky, at around 10:00 pm on Thursday, on Moledina Road, Pune Camp. A bullet brushed Yadav’s chin, and he has been admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic, where his condition is said to be stable.

According to the Lashkar police, the culprit Vishnu alias Babloo Vasant Gawli, 45, a criminal with a police record, is a resident of Gawliwada, New Modikhana Camp. He opened fire at Yadav. The bullet brushed Yadav’s chin, injuring him badly. After the incident, members of the public and supporters of Yadav, beat up Gawli till he fell unconscious.

BJP corporator Vivek Yadav

Yadav was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic, where he underwent surgery. Doctors said that that his condition was stable and he is out of danger. Police said that Gawli is a history sheeter and has several serious offences registered against him. After the incident, he was handed over to the police. The police took him to Sassoon General Hospital, where he was admitted to ward IX for treatment.

Lashkar police station Police Inspector (crime) Vaishali Chandgude said, “We suspect that an old rivalry may be motive behind the attack. In the year 2014, Yadav had opened fire on Gawli and tried to kill him. The Lashkar police had booked Yadav in an offence of attempt to murder at that time. Yadav also has offence of attempt to murder registered against in Lashkar police station, while the accused Gawli has several serious offences registered against him.”

Laskhar police has not filed any case regarding the recent incident as both of them were admitted to hospital. A man standing next to Yadav was also injured in the incident as the same bullet which hit Yadav hit his hand. He has been admitted to Sassoon Hospital.

There was huge police bandobast at the crime scene, Sassoon Hospital as well as Ruby Hall Clinic. Several supporters of Yadav had gathered at Ruby Hall Clinic, waiting to meet him. A supporter said, “Yadav was in the immersion procession of Utsav Samvardhak Mandal, when the incident happened. It was called off after the incident.” Yadav’s brother refused to comment, saying that they were disturbed after the incident.
 Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone II, Pankaj Dahane said, “There is only one accused and he has been caught by the police and taken to Sassoon Hospital. Accused Vishnu Gawli allegedly opened fire at Vivek Yadav. Yadav was rushed to Ruby Hall Clinic for treatment and his condition is stable. We have seized the weapon used in the crime.”

Sassoon General Hospital casualty medical officer (CMO) Dr Pratyush Dwivedi confirmed that accused was admitted to ward IX for treatment. He said that accused was unconscious and had a head injury. “Gawli was brought to the hospital at around 10:45 pm by the police. After giving some treatment and putting stitches, he was admitted to the hospital,” said Dr Dwivedi.

vicky.pathare@goldensparrow.com

Originally published on The Golden Sparrow