Former Bombay HC judge to probe Maval firing

The Maharashtra government has appointed retired Bombay High Court judge M G Gaikwad to conduct an inquiry into the Maval firing in August which killed three farmers.

Gaikwad has been asked to submit his report in three months, sources in the home department said.

In August, farmers' demonstration against a drinking water supply scheme from the Pavana dam to Pimpri-Chinchwad city turned violent. Policemen fired upon the protesting farmers, killing three of them.

Opposition members had stalled the proceedings of the monsoon session of the state legislature, demanding action against the police.

The government then announced that a probe by a retired high court judge will be conducted and also suspended six constables who were seen damaging vehicles of the demonstrators.

Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Karnik, who ordered the firing, had sought transfer from his present posting to ensure a free and fair probe. The government has accepted his request and he has been shifted to Mumbai.