Relief for Maharashtra minister's son accused of murder

Mumbai: After he was charged with attempt to murder, there's some relief for Nitesh Rane, whose father, Narayan, is the Revenue Minister in Maharashtra. A medical report suggests that a man who claimed Nitesh fired at him lied about how he was injured.

Chintu Shaikh, who works for an NGO run by Nitesh Rane, said that the minister's son shot at him on Thursday night when the two met at Rane's office in suburban Mumbai. (Read: Attempt to murder case against Maharashtra minister's son)

Shaikh is in hospital with minor injuries. Doctors confirm that he was attacked with a blunt object, possibly the butt of a revolver.  

Nitesh had told the police that he does not own any firearms.

Police sources confirm that no bullets were found at the office where Shaikh claimed Rane fired at him.  Also, the police is baffled by why Shaikh drove two hours to a hospital in Powai after he was allegedly attacked.

Nitesh's family says the incident is an attempt to hurt his budding political career.

"He is being involved in this politically. It is a conspiracy to malign him. Nothing has happened after an inquiry you will get to know who is innocent or guilty," said his brother, Nilesh.  

The police are interrogating eyewitnesses to determine what really happened.