THANE: Five persons, including a Shiv Sena leader and his son, were today arrested for alleged attempt on life of a former Sena leader, police said.
Those arrested were identified as Sena leader Avinash Patil (49), his son Sandesh (23), residents of Kashimira area, Anil Patil (23), Vetal Patil (21) and Vishal Chowdhari (19), Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rajesh Pradhan said at a press conference. The victim, Anil Chavan, was attacked on October 27 by two unidentified persons, who shot him from point blank range.
Chavan, a former deputy chief of Shiv Sena in Mira Road area, was rushed to a hospital, where he is under treatment, police said. Police registered an offence under IPC Section 307 (attempt to murder) and also the Arms Act. During the investigation, police detained Anil and Vetal, residents of Pimplas of Bhiwandi. Their interrogation uncovered the conspiracy behind the attack and led to the arrest of the three other accused.
Political rivalry between Chavan and Avinash and fight for controlling some local associations, which organise Navratri and Ganesh festivals, led to the attack, police said.