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Abandoned suitcase outside Nitesh Rane’s bungalow causes stir, security concerns amid Maharashtra elections

An abandoned suitcase outside Minister Nitesh Rane's Mumbai bungalow sparked a major security scare, prompting a bomb squad investigation. The incident occurred just a few days ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra municipal elections

Suitcase found outside Nitesh Rane's bungalow | X, IANS

An abandoned suitcase was found outside the government bungalow of state fisheries and ports development minister Nitesh Rane in Mumbai, creating panic in the area.

Security forces and a bomb disposal squad were alerted and sent to the location to examine the contents of the case.

In CCTV footage acquired from around the residence, a young man is seen leaving the suitcase outside the 'Suvarnagad'  bungalow.

Shiv Sena’s (Shinde) Balasaheb Bhavan and Minister Jayakumar Gore's also live close to the residence.

The entire area has been sealed off after the police force was deployed.

In the security footage, a man wearing a brown t-shirt, a black jacket, and pants is seen carrying the greyish trolley suitcase. He goes near the bungalow and leaves the case there. A note was also found inside, which asked the finder to take the free shoes and clothes found inside the case. "This bag contains shoes and clothes. You can take them for free," the note read.

No suspicious items have been found in the bag yet.

Police are now investigating the contents of the bag and why and who left it outside the residence.

Meanwhile, Minister Nitesh Rane is known for having had extensive security arrangements in the past.

The suitcase was immediately suspected to be an attack due to the prior threats Rane received due to his political views which are considered extremist and right-wing.

Political parties in Mumbai are currently campaigning for the upcoming municipal elections, which will take place on January 15.