Maharashtra civic polls: Shots fired at BJP candidate Pawan Walekar’s office in Ambernath

THANE: A shocking firing incident was reported at the office of BJP candidate Pawan Walekar in Ambernath, just three days before the Ambernath Municipal Corporation elections, triggering panic and intensifying political tensions in the area.

The incident occurred at around 12.15 am on Wednesday in the Navin Bhendi Pada area of Ambernath West. According to the police, Walekar was present at his office along with party workers when two unidentified persons arrived on a two-wheeler, wearing helmets, and opened fire at the office. At least four to six rounds were fired, with bullets hitting the office’s glass windows.

During the attack, one person from office attempted to stop the assailants but sustained a bullet injury to his finger. The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the office. The attackers fled the spot immediately after the firing.

Police have registered a case against unknown persons and said that preliminary investigations suggest the firing was intended to create fear and intimidation. Teams from the Ambernath and Badlapur police stations, along with the Crime Branch, have been deployed to trace the accused.

The incident has raised serious security concerns, particularly as a public meeting of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is scheduled in Ambernath later today. Following the incident, BJP workers and office-bearers gathered outside the Ambernath police station, suspecting the involvement of rival political candidate and demanding strict action against those responsible.

The firing has cast a shadow over the election process and created an atmosphere of fear in the locality.