Minister's Son Surrenders in Maharashtra Election Violence Case After Court Rebuke

In connection with the violence during the Mahad Municipal Council elections, Vikas Gogawale, son of Shiv Sena leader and state minister Bharat Gogawale, has surrendered to the police. This development follows a stern reprimand from the Bombay High Court to the Maharashtra government. The state government informed the High Court on Friday that Vikas Gogawale surrendered at the Mahad police station in Raigad district. The court had questioned the state on Thursday about the rule of law and the government's ability to act against a cabinet minister's son. Advocate General Milind Sathe confirmed to the court that all accused, including Vikas and his cousin Mahesh Gogawale, surrendered. Police registered cases under sections related to attempt to murder and intentional harm, with the Arms Act also invoked due to a pistol being brandished. Cross-complaints were filed by both sides. The court had previously denied anticipatory bail to another accused, Shriyansh Jagtap, citing the seriousness of the offense, leading him to withdraw his bail plea.