Bhayandar: A doctor allegedly examined a deceased man over a mobile phone video call and issued a death certificate stating that he had died of a heart attack following a firing incident inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Kashigaon police have registered a case against seven people, including Dr Rajesh Palande, a functionary of the Shiv Sena faction.The incident took place on Monday night in the forest area within the limits of Chena village. Seven local men had reportedly gone into the forest in two groups to hunt wild boars. At around 10 pm, while returning, Vijay Sapte (59) switched on his mobile phone’s flashlight. Mahesh Gaikar (52) allegedly mistook the light for the eyes of an animal and fired two rounds from his gun. Sapte died, while Kunal Shelar (31) and Kalpesh Dagala (25) sustained injuries.The injured men were taken to Ashish Hospital in Chena village, while Sapte’s body was brought to his residence. Dr Palande, who works at the hospital, allegedly examined Sapte over a video call and declared him dead, issuing a certificate stating that the cause of death was a heart attack.The incident came to light on Tuesday morning, following which Kashigaon police registered a case against seven people, including Sapte’s son, Rohit Sapte (21).Police arrested Gaikar and Kathod Labad for allegedly possessing firearms and firing shots. They were produced before a court on Wednesday and remanded in police custody until Oct 24.Palande, who was appointed president of a doctors’ association a few months ago, is also a functionary of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Rahul Chavan said police were investigating the source of the firearms, whether the accused had valid licences and the doctor’s exact role in issuing the death certificate.The investigation is also expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the firing and the subsequent issuance of the death certificate.
