In a significant legal escalation, the Gittikhadan police in Nagpur have invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, against 15 individuals accused of orchestrating a violent mob attack on BJP corporator and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) polls candidate Bhushan Shingne and his supporters. This move underscores the seriousness of the incident, which has been linked to political rivalry during the city's municipal elections.
Details of the Violent Incident
The attack occurred shortly after midnight on January 15 near Samrat Ashok Chowk in the Gorewada area of Nagpur. According to the complainant, Vitthal Adane, a mob of approximately 90 to 100 people, armed with iron rods, sticks, knives, and pistols, launched a brutal assault on Shingne (58), Pravin Mate (49), Rupesh Thakre (54), and others. The mob reportedly abused the victims, snatched their mobile phones, and attempted to strangle Shingne in what was described as a bid to kill him.
Accused and Their Criminal Background
The alleged gang leader, identified as Ganesh alias Ghui Chacherkar (40), is said to have a criminal past, which played a role in the police's decision to apply MCOCA. Along with Chacherkar, 14 other members from areas including Gorewada, Kalmeshwar, and Wardha have been arrested. Police investigations revealed that this was a pre-planned attack, further justifying the invocation of the stringent act.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Initially, the case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), such as 109, 115(2), 118(1), 296, 351(3), 189, 191(2), 191(3), and 190. However, following a thorough investigation that uncovered organised criminal activity and prior records of the accused, MCOCA sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2), and 3(4) were added on January 26. This action was taken under the orders of the additional commissioner of police for the south regional division.
Police Supervision and Response
Senior police officers, including Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal and Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy, supervised the stringent action. They emphasized that the attack was politically motivated, occurring amid heightened tensions during the NMC polls, and warranted the use of MCOCA to combat organised crime effectively.
The invocation of MCOCA in this case highlights the authorities' commitment to tackling violent crimes linked to political rivalries, ensuring that such incidents are dealt with firmly under the law.
