Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A major rift within the BJP in the Jalna Municipal Corporation escalated into violence on Monday, with the police registering an attempted murder case against party corporator Mahavir Dhakka, his son Vikrant, and 11-12 others after a clash during a standing committee meeting. The altercation, triggered over a dispute on civic proposals, led to allegations of assault, threats, and an attack with a sharp weapon, exposing deep factional divisions within the party.
Police Register Case After Complaint
The Kadim Jalna police said the case was registered based on a complaint by Pratik Pangarkar, the son of BJP corporator and standing committee chairman Ashok Pangarkar. Offences under multiple BNS sections, including attempt to murder, rioting, and unlawful assembly, have been invoked. Inspector Janardhan Shewale stated, "The complaint alleges that an attempt was made to attack Ashok Pangarkar, following which his son intervened. During the scuffle, a sharp weapon was used."
Dispute Over Water Tank Contract
According to the complaint, the conflict began as a verbal clash between the faction led by Ashok Pangarkar and the group led by Vikrant Dhakka during discussions on cancelling a contract linked to the Ghanewadi water tank project. Sources said Mahavir Dhakka opposed the move, warning it could disrupt summer water supply, leading to a heated exchange that quickly spiralled into a physical confrontation and extended into the mayor's chamber, where supporters from both sides had assembled.
In his complaint, Pratik Pangarkar alleged that Ranveer Dhakka attempted to attack him with a dagger. "I moved aside, due to which the dagger struck my friend Dharamsingh Thakur near his eyebrow," he said. He further alleged that members of the Dhakka group pushed him to the ground and assaulted him. Following the incident, Pangarkar and his supporters gathered at the police station, joined by several BJP and Shiv Sena corporators, amid protests over the clash.
Dhakka Denies Allegations
Mahavir Dhakka, a five-term corporator, denied the allegations. "We have been framed in a false case. We will make a representation to the Jalna SP and demand a fair probe," he said. Police said investigations are underway, with CCTV footage from the civic body premises, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence being examined. The incident triggered a political storm in Jalna, with tensions flaring temporarily within the municipal corporation premises before being brought under control.
