A late-night attack on Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat's residence in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has triggered a major controversy, with the minister launching a sharp attack on the state police administration over alleged negligence and rising crime.
According to police, three youths allegedly created a disturbance outside Shirsat's residence in the Golwadi area around midnight on Thursday. They reportedly pelted stones and threw empty glass bottles at the house. Security personnel and police officers present at the location intervened and managed to detain all three accused.
The accused have been identified as Rohit Bhutale, Shivam Gaikwad and Pratik Kute. Two police personnel reportedly suffered minor injuries during the scuffle while attempting to apprehend them.
The incident has angered Shirsat, who accused senior police officials of failing to maintain law and order in the city. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the minister questioned the priorities of the police administration and alleged that officers were more interested in money and securing desirable postings than tackling crime.
Shirsat specifically criticised the city's Police Commissioner, alleging that he was focused on securing a lucrative posting in Pimpri-Chinchwad instead of addressing growing criminal activities.
He also claimed that a Deputy Commissioner of Police arrived at the scene nearly two-and-a-half hours after the incident, allegedly following intervention by the Director General of Police.
The minister further raised concerns about alleged murders, drug trafficking and illegal gambling activities in the city. He claimed that illegal gambling establishments were operating with police protection and said he would submit a detailed list of such activities to the Chief Minister.
Questioning the police response, Shirsat asked whether officers would act only after someone lost their life.
He also alleged that he had attempted to contact the Police Commissioner immediately after the attack but could not reach him because his phone was switched off.
Following the incident, police officials visited the minister's residence and conducted an investigation panchnama.
A case has been registered against the three accused under various charges, including criminal trespass, criminal intimidation, obstructing government work and damaging property. Investigators are questioning them to determine the motive behind the attack and whether other individuals were involved.
The incident has now raised fresh questions about law and order in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, particularly after a serving state minister publicly questioned the functioning of the police administration.
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