A cultural event in Daund turned chaotic when gunfire erupted, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including the brother of a local MLA. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with authorities acting swiftly to address the situation.
Pune | 26 July, 2025: In a startling turn of events, Balasaheb Mandekar, sibling of NCP MLA Shankar Mandekar, was apprehended alongside three others—Ganpat Jagtap, Chandrakant Marne, and Raghunath Shankar Awhad—following a firing incident at New Ambika Kala Kendra in Chaufula, Daund. The arrests were made in the early hours of Thursday, around 5 am, after shots were fired into the air during a performance at the art centre on Monday night between 10:30 and 11 pm. The gunfire caused panic, with a dancer collapsing in shock, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The incident, which took place in Wakhari, has raised questions about public safety and the misuse of firearms. Authorities registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, following a complaint by the centre’s manager, Babasaheb Rajshri Andhare. The pistol used in the incident, seized by the police, belonged to Ganpat Jagtap, dispelling initial speculation about the MLA’s involvement. Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with Additional SP Ganesh Biradar leading the probe to uncover further details.
The news sent shockwaves through the community, with social media amplifying concerns about a possible cover-up due to the delayed police confirmation, which came 36 hours after the incident. Opposition leaders criticized the initial handling of the case, prompting authorities to emphasize transparency in their response. The investigation faced early challenges due to limited leads, but the centre manager’s account provided critical information that led to the arrests.
Shankar Mandekar, the MLA representing Bhor, Velha, and Mulshi, distanced himself from the incident, stating he was unaware of his brother’s actions until informed by the police. He described Balasaheb as a social worker and farmer, expressing disbelief at his involvement in such an event. The MLA condemned the act, stressing that legal consequences must follow, regardless of familial ties. He clarified that his brother does not hold a firearm license, and the weapon belonged to one of the other accused.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has taken a firm stance, directing the police to conduct a thorough investigation without interference. He clarified that Balasaheb is not the MLA’s biological brother, possibly a cousin, and emphasized that no one involved would be spared, regardless of their connections. Authorities are also exploring whether stricter laws, such as the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, could apply to the case.
The incident has left the Daund community shaken, with many calling for accountability and stronger measures to prevent such disruptions at cultural venues. As the investigation unfolds, residents await answers about what drove the accused to such reckless behavior, hoping for justice and reassurance that their safety remains a priority.
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