Pune: Second Case Filed Against Maval MLA Sunil Shelke for Election Code Violation in Lonavala

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Lonavala, 11th November 2024: Amidst the code of conduct for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections, a second case has been registered against Sunil Shelke, the sitting MLA of Maval, for breaching the code of conduct. Shelke and around 15 activists have been booked for allegedly forcibly entering the inaugural campaign of independent candidate Bapusaheb Bhegade in Lonavala.

Police Constable Shekhar Bhaskar Kulkarni reported the incident to the Lonavala City Police Station. A case has been registered against MLA Sunil Shelke, Pradeep Kokare, Mangesh Mavkar, and Dhananjay Kalokhe under BNS Sections 232 (threatening any person to give false evidence), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 3 (5) (acts done by several individuals in furtherance of common intention).

According to police, around 5 PM yesterday at Ram Temple in Lonavala, Mahayuti candidate Sunil Shelke of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) arrived with his convoy. Sources say that Shelke’s campaign was behind schedule. Ignoring instructions from Assistant Election Returning Officer Surendra Navale, he entered the venue where independent candidate Bapusaheb Bhegade was addressing a campaign rally, which had all necessary permissions in place.

Despite lacking permission, Shelke entered the temple with a group of activists, pushing through Bhegade’s supporters and disrupting the rally. Alongside Shelke, Pradeep Kokare, Mangesh Mavkar, Dhananjay Kalokhe, and around 10 to 15 activists were involved in the incident. Additionally, a case has been registered against Bhegade for allegedly breaching terms set by the Assistant Election Officer by disrupting peace and sidestepping the guidelines. The Lonavala City Police Station is investigating the matter further.

Case Against MLA Shelke for Timing Violation

Pimpri Chinchwad Police have also filed a case against MLA Sunil Shelke and campaign rally organiser Namdev Dabhade for allegedly violating all campaign timing rules set by the Assistant Election Returning Officer. Shelke’s rally reportedly continued past the permitted 10 PM limit. Following an Election Commission Flying Squad report, Deepak Rakshe lodged a complaint under Section 223 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the BNS. Notices have also been served to all accused, and the investigation, led by Police Sub-Inspector Parakhe of Shirgaon Police Station, is ongoing.