PMC standing panel head embroiled

The Samarth police station have registered a case of non-cognisable (NC) offence against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) standing committee chairman, Ganesh Bidkar, for allegedly manhandling one Vijay Anantrao Mane regarding setting up a flex in the area.

Mane has lodged the complaint. Bidkar has also registered a counter complaint against Mane, alleging that the latter had threatened him.

According to the police, on Friday night, one of the accomplices of Mane had come to Rasta Peth to set up a flex, but they faced opposition from Bidkar's supporters. Later, Bidkar also visited the spot and allegedly abused and manhandled Mane.

The police have registered the case under sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) under the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Speaking to DNA, Bidkar said, "Mane and his accomplices are members of gangster Arun Gawli's Akhil Bhartiya Sena. They used to run a gambling den in the area which was busted by me in the past. As a result, he had lodged a complaint against me. Mane had issued threats to me in front of the police."