The Bombay High Court on Friday received confirmation from the State government that Vikas Gogawale, the son of Shiv Sena MLA and cabinet minister Bharat Gogawale, has surrendered in connection with the violent clashes that erupted during the Mahad Municipal Council elections.
Background of the December 2 Incident
Both Vikas Gogawale and his father are among the accused in the December 2 violence that broke out between supporters of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena during the municipal council elections in Mahad. The incident led to cross FIRs being filed by both political factions, with one naming Vikas, his cousin Mahesh, and their supporters, while the other implicated Shreeyash Jagtap, son of former NCP MLA Manik Jagtap, along with his supporters.
Court Proceedings and Police Communication
Advocate General Milind Sathe informed Justice Madhav Jamdar that all accused have now surrendered, presenting a communication from the Mahad City Police Station. The document confirmed that eight accused, including Vivek (Vikas) and Mahesh, surrendered at 9:15 AM and were subsequently taken into police custody.
This development follows the High Court's rejection of Vikas Gogawale's anticipatory bail plea on December 23. The court was simultaneously hearing the anticipatory bail application of Shreeyash Jagtap, who was granted interim protection from arrest on December 29.
Judicial Scrutiny and State's Response
On Thursday, Justice Jamdar expressed strong disapproval of the State's failure to arrest Vikas Gogawale, making scathing observations about the rule of law being adversely affected in Maharashtra. The judge directed Sathe to consult with "the minister" and "the chief minister also," requiring an update by 5 PM.
Sathe later informed the court that he had taken instructions from Minister Bharat Gogawale, who assured that his son would surrender. The matter was consequently scheduled for Friday morning, with Justice Jamdar emphasizing that surrender should occur before the 11 AM hearing.
Resolution of Legal Applications
Justice Jamdar referenced the January 16 order which noted the seriousness of the offenses, making the applicant (Jagtap) ineligible for anticipatory bail. However, due to submissions regarding police conduct, detailed orders were issued on January 16 and 17.
As the court showed no inclination to grant anticipatory bail, Jagtap's advocate sought withdrawal of the application, which Justice Jamdar permitted while dismissing it. An interim application filed by Mahesh Gogawale opposing Jagtap's bail was also disposed of since the main application had been dismissed.
In a final directive, Justice Jamdar instructed Sathe to ensure the arrest of Jagtap and other co-accused as well, bringing closure to this phase of the legal proceedings surrounding the election violence case.
