Pune: Case Filed Against NCP’s Maval MLA Sunil Shelke for Breaching Campaign Time Restrictions
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Maval, 7th November 2024: Pimpri Chinchwad Police have registered a case against Sunil Shelke, the sitting MLA of Maval Constituency, and another individual for allegedly violating rules set by the Assistant Election Returning Officer regarding campaign timings. Shelke, the official candidate for the Mahayuti alliance from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is accused of breaching these rules during his campaign. Police have served him with a notice, and an investigation is underway.
Deepak Bhaurao Rakshe (53, a resident of Somatane Phata), acting on orders from the Election Returning Officer of Maval Constituency, filed a complaint at Shirgaon Police Station. A case has been registered against Shelke and rally organiser Namdev Dabhade under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant).
According to police reports, Shelke organised a campaign rally in Adhale Khurd and Chandkhed villages on Tuesday, 5th November. The Assistant Election Returning Officer had granted permission for the rally under specific rules and conditions. The rally, organised by Deepak Rakshe, was intended to run from Shirgaon to Somatane. However, both the organiser and Shelke allegedly violated the set conditions. Shelke allegedly violated a rule that prohibits any candidate’s campaign from continuing after 10 PM. As a result, a case has been filed against him. Police Sub-Inspector Parakhe from Shirgaon Police Station is leading the investigation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2), Vishal Gaikwad, told Punekar News, “Flying Squads of the Election Commission of India (ECI) observed that the candidate against whom the case has been registered violated the time restrictions set by the Election Returning Officer of Maval Constituency. Following the Election Returning Officer’s guidance, the complainant reported the incident to Shirgaon Police Station. We have served notices to the accused and taken their statements. The investigation is ongoing.”
