In a shocking display of gang rivalry, Badlapur Railway Station in Maharashtra’s Thane district witnessed a dramatic shooting incident on Thursday evening, leaving one man injured and hundreds of commuters in panic. The shooter, 25-year-old Vikas Nana Pagare, was arrested after a chase by police officers and brave citizens who intervened to prevent his escape.

The Incident: Professional Rivalry Turns Deadly

The violent altercation unfolded around 6 PM at platform number 1 of Badlapur Station, which was crowded with passengers waiting for a Karjat-bound local train. According to the Government Railway Police (GRP), the dispute stemmed from a business rivalry involving four individuals—Shankar Sansare, Vikas Pagare, Atish Rokade, and Rohit Dhotre—who are reportedly involved in criminal activities related to cable TV businesses in the Ulhasnagar area.

The four men had a heated argument outside the station, which escalated into a physical confrontation. In a fit of rage, Pagare pulled out a revolver and fired shots at Sansare and his companion. Sansare was hit in the leg, while the second target managed to escape unharmed. As the gunfire rang out, passengers scrambled to flee, causing injuries in the ensuing chaos as people collided in their rush for safety.

Immediate Aftermath: Brave Citizens and Police Action

After opening fire, Pagare attempted to flee the scene by running towards the railway tracks. However, swift action by on-duty policemen, assisted by commuters, led to his capture. The GRP quickly apprehended Pagare, who was later booked for attempted murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras, and within minutes, videos of the shooting went viral on social media, further igniting public outrage. Senior railway police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Railway), visited the crime scene to oversee the investigation.

Public Outcry: Calls for Stricter Action

The shooting incident has raised serious concerns about public safety at one of the busiest suburban stations in Thane. Commuters expressed their fear and frustration, with many questioning the efficacy of local law enforcement in curbing criminal activities. A witness described the horror, saying, “It was terrifying. We heard the shots and just ran. There was chaos everywhere."

This incident follows closely on the heels of another unsettling event in Badlapur, where two kindergarten girls were allegedly sexually assaulted at a private school, sparking protests across the town. Locals are now calling for stringent action against criminals who roam freely, endangering the lives of innocent people.

Investigations Ongoing

Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether more individuals were involved in the shooting. Preliminary findings suggest that the conflict was fueled by a financial dispute and a long-standing enmity between Sansare and Pagare, both of whom have criminal records. Forensic analysis of the revolver and pellets used in the shooting is underway, and authorities are probing the deeper roots of this violent feud.

As the investigation proceeds, the people of Badlapur are left shaken, demanding better safety measures at public spaces and more robust action against criminal elements.