A gangster in the Nashik district of Maharashtra was recently released from jail but was sent back to prison after his celebration rally video went viral on social media. The gangster identified as Harshad Patankar was jailed under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug Offenders and Dangerous Persons Act. After being released on July 23, his supporters organised a large rally to celebrate his return.
Madhukar Kad, Senior police inspector at Panchavati police station of Nashik district, said, "Gangster Harshal Sunil Patankar was imprisoned in Nashik Central Jail last year. He was released from jail on July 23, 2024. After his release, he took out a road rally with goons from Ambedkar Chowk to Sadhu Vaswani Road and called his supporters to celebrate his release from jail."
"In this case, the police registered a case of violating the law and took him into custody yesterday. The police have also seized the vehicle used in the rally," he also said.
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Celebratory Rally
According to Jagran News, the procession, which occurred at 3:30 pm on July 23, included about 15 motorcycles and started from Bethelnagar, passing through Ambedkar Chowk, Sadhu Vaswani Road, and Sharanpur Road. Patankar, seen waving from the sunroof of a car, was joined by his friends and family who were raising celebratory slogans.
Reports indicate that Patankar had previously been arrested and jailed for multiple crimes, including attempted murder, theft, and violence. He was detained under the MPDA Act just a year ago.
The celebratory rally and subsequent police action have now resulted in him being sent back to jail, along with six of his associates: Gopal Nagorkar, Vedant Chalde, Shaun Michael, Joy Michael, Robinson Battise, Vaibhav Khandare, and Vikas Nepali.