Special Correspondent
Pune : Reacting to the recent firing incident at the New Ambika Art Center in Wakhari, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) MLA Shankar Mandekar admitted that his brother was present during the incident, but firmly stated that no political pressure would be exerted to shield him from legal
consequences. “My brother went with the wrong people — that was his mistake. If he’s involved, he will face legal action. We haven’t influenced anyone,” said Mandekar while speaking to the media.
The incident, which took place around 10:30 to 11 PM on Monday, has stirred political and public controversy after it emerged that Mandekar’s cousin was among those arrested. Police have taken three individuals into custody, including Balasaheb Hiraman Mandekar, the MLA’s relative, who allegedly fired a gun into the air during a party at the art center.
Shankar Mandekar revealed that he was informed by police officers that an FIR was being registered against his brother. He responded by instructing them to proceed strictly as per the law. He also clarified that his brother does not have a firearm license, and that the police will investigate who the actual gun owner was. “My brother is involved in farming and social work, and he’s affiliated with the Warkari sect. People can go wherever they want — that’s their personal choice. But if something wrong has been done, the law must act,” Mandekar asserted.
He also added that after the incident, his brother returned home the next morning but did not mention anything about the firing. At the time, Mandekar himself was out inspecting roadwork, and Ganesh Jagtap (another person linked to the case) was also present. Among four brothers, one might be a saint, one might be a thief. But whoever is at fault must be punished. This incident is condemnable and deserves legal action,” he said.
Initial investigations suggest that the firing occurred due to a dispute over hosting a party. A function organized by the Ruikar family was already underway at the New Ambika Kalakendra on Monday night. However, the accused allegedly insisted on throwing their own party at the same venue, leading to the altercation and eventual firing.
Interestingly, despite the chaos, no complaint was initially filed. It was only after the names of politically connected individuals began surfacing on social media that public pressure mounted, prompting police to launch a search and register cases against the accused.
