Rabale police arrested a 68-year-old retired police officer for allegedly firing bullets at his two sons and injuring them at his home in sector 2 in Airoli on Monday evening. The condition of one of the sons is said to be critical and he is admitted to Indravati Hospital in Airoli. The incident took place around 6.30 pm.
The elder son suffered major injuries and is now under observation. The younger son suffered minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital after some time. The Rabale police arrested the accused, Bhagwan Patil, and also confiscated his revolver soon after the incident.
Police said that Patil has three sons and he stayed with his wife and the elder son, who is physically challenged, at Airoli, sector 2. The second son Vijay, 34, stayed at Vasai and the youngest son Sujay, 32, stayed at a separate house in the Airoli area. According to the police, the two sons stayed away due to frequent quarrels at home.
Police said that the exact reason for the incident could not be ascertained. However, the initial investigation revealed that frequent fight between Patil and his wife is one of the main reasons.
Yogesh Gawde, senior inspector of Rabale police station said, “Patil did not have good relationships with his wife and their two sons Vijay and Sujay for a long time. He used to assault his wife and that led to frequent fights among them.” He added, “On Monday, Vijay received a call from an insurance company which was related to Patil’s car. He then called Patil to discuss the same, but they got into a heated argument on phone.
“Vijay along with Sujay came to their parents’ house around 6.30 pm after they had a heated argument with their father. All three of them got into a scuffle again. In a fit of rage, Patil fired three rounds of the bullet at his sons,” he said.
While the first two bullets hit Vijay at his stomach and shoulder, the third bullet barely touched Sujay. They were immediately rushed to Indravati Hospital in Airoli.
While police took Bhagwan in his custody, his firearm was also seized. “We seized the .32 bore revolver from him and a case is being registered against him,” added Gawade.
