Firing at NCP meeting in Mumbai

Mumbai: All hell broke loose at the National Congress Party’s (NCP) party members’ meeting at Deonar on Tuesday night after clashes erupted between supporters of two NCP leaders, Nawab Malik and Sanjay Patil. Mr Malik alleged that somebody even fired rounds during the scuffle, and a case has now been filed against a supporter of Mr Patil, an ex-MP.

Mr Malik who was meeting some NCP partymen at Deonar hall alleged that Mr Patil entered the venue with his supporters, which led to the brawl. “An angry Patil started fighting in the hall after which my supporters started beating his aides. Mr Patil’s supporters were armed with guns and swords. In fact, a man accompanying Mr Patil fired four rounds in the hall. Some of my supporters got injured in the incident,” said Mr Malik.

The NCP leader, who is at loggerheads with Mr Patil, said he would inform the police and party seniors. “We have differences but I never thought that Mr Patil would take such an extreme step,” Mr Malik said. Sources said that Mr Patil had grudges against Mr Malik ever since he lost the MP election.

But Mr Patil has termed Mr Malik’s allegations as baseless. “I just entered the programme venue as all NCP leaders were invited. I seat down on my seat when Mr Malik’s supporter attacked me with knifes and swords. My bodyguards and few on-duty police officials saved me and brought me outside safely,” Mr Patil said.

DCP (zone 7) Shahaji Umap confirmed about the brawl but denied about firing. “There was no firing incident. Some people, including some police officials got injured in the incident. The injured were shifted to the Rajawadi hospital. We are examining both the sides and will soon file complaint against those responsible for this,” he said. Meanwhile, steering clear of the controversy, NCP Mumbai president Sachin Ahir said that there were conflicting versions over the issue.