The Bombay High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail pleas of former BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad and 3 others accused in the 2023 firing incident inside Ulhasnagar’s Hill Line Police Station that left Shiv Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad seriously injured.
The case was heard by Justice Amit Borkar, where he rejected the applications, noting that the “violent and deliberate assault” occurred within the chamber of a senior police officer—a space meant for law enforcement. The judge said granting bail in such a case would “dilute the authority of law” and undermine the principle that no one is above the law.
Prosecution Recounts Chilling Sequence
On February 2, 2023, tensions escalated between rival political groups inside the police station. As arguments broke out, Ganpat allegedly pulled out a revolver concealed in his waistband and fired multiple rounds at Mahesh Gaikwad and others. Mahesh was struck by several bullets and then reportedly beaten with the revolver butt.
Ganpat’s bodyguard Harshal Kene allegedly followed, firing four more rounds at Mahesh and assaulting others, including Mahesh’s bodyguard. Two associates, Kunal Patil and Nagesh Baderao, were accused of helping restrain the victim and interfering with police officers.
Defense Calls it ‘Unplanned’; Court Disagrees
Senior advocate Kevic Setalvad, representing Ganpat, argued that the incident was not premeditated. However, the court, citing CCTV footage, forensic and ballistic evidence, observed there was strong prima facie material and a serious risk of witness intimidation.
Justice Borkar stressed that the offence reflected “complete disregard for the rule of law and public safety.” The court said Ganpat’s conduct post-incident raised concerns of possible obstruction of justice, and that preserving public faith in the justice system outweighed the bail claim.
The bail pleas of Kene, Patil, and Baderao were also turned down. The judge found Kene’s use of his licensed firearm to be “calculated” rather than defensive. Patil and Baderao, the court said, “directly assisted” in the life-threatening attack and obstructed the police from doing their duty.
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