Land dispute sparks firing, mob attack
TOI : PUNE: Former deputy commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Ramesh Botalji (60), was almost lynched by a mob after he allegedly shot at a teenager over a land dispute in Kondhwa on Thursday morning.
The former civic official was admitted to the ICU of Bharti hospital and was reported to be serious.
Botalji allegedly fired at one Ramdas Salve, but the bullet pierced through the palm of Salve’s son, Rohit (18). Rohit is being treated at the Ruby Hall Clinic and was reportedly out of danger.
According to Satish Patil, senior inspector of the Haveli police station, Botalji had purchased half an acre of land from Salve at Salve garden a few years ago to start an educational institute. Ramdas Salve claimed that he had sold the land to Botalji at a throwaway price because he was building an educational institute, Patil said.
According to Salve, Botalji later changed his mind and decided to build a residential complex instead. Salve’s opposition to his move lead to several rounds of heated arguments between the two.
On Thursday morning, Botalji had another heated argument with Ramdas, which soon turned into a brawl. When Salve started beating him up, Botalji opened fire from his licensed revolver in self-defence, the police said. However, Rohit came in between and the bullet hit his palm, the police said.
An irate mob soon gathered at the spot and assaulted Botalji with iron rods and stones. He received severe head injuries and was admitted to the hospital.
The Haveli police have booked Botalji and are yet to record his statement, following which the second case will be registered, senior inspector Patil said.
Botalji’s son filed a cross-complaint with the police against Ramdas Salve and his son Rohit late on Thursday evening. Print EMail DiscussNew B…More
