Violent Political Clash Rocks Kalyan-Dombivli Ahead of Civic Polls
Political tensions erupted into violence late Monday night in Kalyan-Dombivli. Workers from Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party clashed violently in the Tukaram Nagar area. This incident occurred just before the crucial Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections.
Serious Injuries Reported in the Altercation
The clash resulted in serious injuries to several individuals. Omnath Natekar, husband of BJP's Panel No. 29 candidate Arya Natekar, suffered life-threatening injuries during the attack. He sustained severe wounds and required immediate medical attention.
Doctors at a private AIMS Hospital in Dombivli are currently treating Natekar for his injuries. His condition remains serious but stable under medical supervision. Apart from Natekar, two other BJP workers and one Shiv Sena office-bearer received minor injuries during the violent confrontation.
How the Incident Unfolded According to BJP
BJP leaders provided a detailed account of the events leading to the violence. Omnath Natekar arrived at a housing society in Tukaram Nagar with three to four supporters. They planned to attend a meeting related to election campaigning activities.
During this gathering, Shiv Sena candidate Nitin Patil and his supporters allegedly confronted the BJP workers. BJP leaders claim Patil and his group threatened BJP office-bearers, warning them not to enter the building for their meeting. This confrontation quickly escalated into physical violence.
BJP has made serious allegations against the Shiv Sena members. They claim Nitin Patil, his brother Ravi Patil, along with family members and several supporters, attacked Omnath Natekar. The attackers allegedly accused Natekar of distributing money during election campaigning.
When Natekar denied these allegations and challenged them to provide proof or money, the argument turned violent. The physical assault left Natekar severely injured and bleeding profusely before others could intervene.
Police Action and Political Fallout
Following the violent incident, BJP office-bearers gathered outside the Dombivli police station. They staged a strong protest demanding immediate and strict action against those responsible for the attack. Police responded by registering a formal case based on the complaint received.
The Dombivli police filed charges under the BNS Act Section 109 for attempted murder. They named Shiv Sena candidates Nitin Patil and Ravi Patil as accused in the case. Both candidates are contesting elections from the same panel. Police also charged Roshan Ravi Patil, Yash Nitin Patil, and three other individuals in connection with the violent attack.
Shiv Sena's Counter-Allegations
Shiv Sena candidate Nitin Patil has strongly denied all allegations of assault. He presented a completely different version of events to counter the BJP's claims. Patil alleged that BJP office-bearers came to the area specifically to distribute money as part of election inducements.
According to Patil, he and his supporters were merely trying to stop the BJP workers from engaging in what they considered inappropriate election activities. This attempt to intervene led to the confrontation between the two groups, according to the Shiv Sena version of events.
Political Context and Rising Tensions
This violent incident highlights the complex political dynamics in the region. Although Shiv Sena and BJP are contesting the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections as allies, both parties are competing separately in Panel No. 29. This unusual arrangement has created frequent confrontations between workers of the two parties.
Just one day before this violent clash, Shiv Sena had already accused BJP office-bearers in the same panel of distributing money to voters. These repeated allegations and counter-allegations have created a highly charged political atmosphere in the area.
The incident has significantly intensified political tensions throughout Kalyan-Dombivli. Local authorities have responded by increasing police vigilance in sensitive areas. Security measures have been strengthened ahead of the upcoming civic polls to prevent further violence.
Residents express concern about the deteriorating political climate in their neighborhood. Many worry that such incidents could escalate further as election day approaches. Community leaders call for peaceful campaigning and respect for democratic processes.
