Maharashtra cop held for attack on builder

THANE - Tainted Maharashtra policeman Ravindra Angre was arrested Tuesday in connection with an alleged attempt on the life of a city builder, police said.

“Mahesh Wagh, the victim-complainant, has alleged that Angre was behind the firing. We registered a complaint and arrested him today,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) D. Karale told IANS.

Wagh had a narrow escape Monday night when he was fired upon while he was returning home, around 10.30 p.m. He is currently undergoing treatment in Thane Civil Hospital and his condition is stable, he said.

Angre, senior inspector, has been remanded to police custody for three days till June 18, Karale said

The victim, who sustained a bullet injury on his shoulder, has said that Angre allegedly planned the attack on him to take revenge for a complaint filed by his (Wagh’s) elder brother Ganesh Wagh against the policeman (Angre) in 2007.

Ganesh Wagh had given a complaint against Angre at Naupada Police Station in October 2007, accusing the policeman of barging into his office, assaulting him and forcing him to sign some papers.

Soon after the complaint, Angre had absconded. He surrendered after five months.

Following the surrender, he was lodged in the Thane Central Prison for nearly 14 months before he was released in May 2009.

Angre shot into the limelight in the 1990s for gunning down over 50 dreaded criminals and gangsters in different parts of Mumbai and Thane.

He is currently under suspension.