Former Mayor and Shiv Sena Corporator Face Police Case for Vote Counting Clash
Police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have taken legal action against a former mayor and a newly elected corporator. Authorities registered a case on Saturday morning following a violent incident at a vote counting centre.
Counting Centre Confrontation Leads to Police Complaint
The trouble began on Friday at the Government Engineering College. This location served as the counting centre for multiple municipal corporation wards. Police had established strict security measures to ensure smooth vote counting operations.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Sagar Shilwant Deshmukh filed the official complaint. His report states that counting for Wards 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 27 occurred at the college premises. Entry to the sensitive area required proper authorization.
Entry Dispute Escalates into Physical Altercation
Between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM, a substantial crowd gathered near the main entrance. Former mayor Vikas Jain arrived with two companions: Shiva Rajput and newly elected Shiv Sena corporator Abhishek Jeevanwal.
According to police accounts, the trio attempted to enter the restricted area without presenting valid identity cards. When officers requested proper documentation, an argument quickly developed.
The situation deteriorated rapidly. The FIR alleges that Jain, Rajput and Jeevanwal tried to force their way inside by pushing against the entrance gate. This action sparked a physical confrontation with police personnel stationed at the location.
Police Officers Allegedly Assaulted During Commotion
During the scuffle, Inspector Pramod Kathane and Assistant Inspector Sachin Miradhe reportedly suffered physical mistreatment. The officers claim they were pushed and manhandled by the individuals attempting unauthorized entry.
As tensions threatened to escalate further, police authorities decided to intervene more forcefully. Officers used mild physical force to disperse the gathering and restore order at the counting venue.
The police action resulted in injuries to Vikas Jain. Visible wounds appeared on his hand and back. Several party workers also sustained injuries during the police response.
Legal Action Follows Early Morning FIR Registration
Vedantnagar police station registered the case in Saturday's early hours. The FIR names Vikas Jain, Shiva Rajput and Abhishek Jeevanwal as accused parties.
Authorities have invoked relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The charges include obstructing government work, violating prohibitory orders and attacking public servants performing official duties.
Inspector Praveena Yadav from Vedantnagar police station now leads the investigation. Police maintain they employed only minimal necessary force to protect security at the sensitive vote counting location.
Political Demands Contrast with Police Version
The incident has sparked political controversy. District guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat demanded registration of a counter FIR against police personnel. He specifically referenced the lathicharge that injured Sena office-bearers including Jain.
Police officials defend their actions as appropriate given the circumstances. They emphasize that the counting centre required stringent security protocols. Only candidates and limited authorized representatives with proper identification could gain entry.
The case continues to develop as investigators examine all aspects of Friday's confrontation. The incident highlights tensions that sometimes surround electoral processes in sensitive locations.
