Two constables with the Kalwa police were injured after being stabbed by a repeat offender, whom they had gone to pick up for questioning in the early hours of Monday.
According to the Kalwa police, Uttam Gaikwad has a string of cases, mainly burglaries and robberies to his name in the Kalwa-Mumbra area. He was also wanted in connection with a failed attempt to rob a bank in Kalwa last week.
“We received a tip-off that Gaikwad would be going to his home in Atkoneshwar Nagar, and sent constables Avinash Waghchoure and Arun Bangar to pick him up at around 1 am. However, his wife and other relatives offered stiff opposition and refused to let them inside the house,” said an officer with the Kalwa police.
The duo somehow managed to barge into Gaikwad’s house and take him into custody. They were trying to force him onto their motorcycle when he whipped out a dagger. He stabbed Mr Waghchoure, who was holding him by the collar, in the stomach and broke free. Mr Bangar, who tried to stop him, was also attacked by Gaikwad’s relatives. Gaikwad also hacked at Mr Bangar, inflicting injuries to his hands, and fled the scene.
The two injured constables then called for backup and Gaikwad’s wife Mathura as well as his aunt Shanti Rajesh were arrested for attempt to murder.
Around an hour later, two cars belonging to local corporator Mangala Kalambe were set on fire by unknown persons. The police believes that this was the handiwork of some of Gaikwad’s associates, who suspected Ms Kalambe of tipping off the police about his whereabouts. A separate case has been registered in this regard.
“Several teams are combing the area between Thane and Mumbra to apprehend Gaikwad,” the officer added.