Belagavi: Three persons have been arrested in connection with firing at the Sri Ram Sene's Belagavi President Ravi Kokitkar using a pistol on Saturday night. The incident occurred when the former and another person driving his car suffered injuries as armed assailants shot at them using a handgun near Hindalga village, police said.
Speaking to the media, Belagavi CP M B Boralingaiah said three people had been arrested in this regard, namely Abhijit Bhatkhande, Rahul Kodachwad and Jyotiba Mutagekar who have confessed to the act. Abhijit had fired a round from an unlicensed pistol, he also added.
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The CP further informed that real estate issues existed between the accused and the victim, referring to a case lodged against Kokitkar by Abhijit at the Shahapur Police Station, accusing the SRS leader of trying to murder him. The recent attack on Kokitkar took place when he was travelling from Belagavi city to Hindalga, when the trio approached the car near a speed breaker and fired towards the driver as well as passengers.
The bullet brushed the chin of Kokitkar, injuring him, while the driver sustained injuries in his hand. Both have been admitted to a private hospital for treatment, and are out of danger, police said. Muthalik had said the outfit and its workers, who stand for Hindutva, will not fear such bullets or weapons. He had urged the police to catch hold of the assailants and punish them, pointing out that CCTV footage will be available as the incident occurred near Hindalga prison.
