Abhishek Ghosalkar was the son of a prominent Shiv Sena UBT leader. (File)
Mauris Noronha shot dead a prominent leader of Shiv Sena UBT, Abhishek Ghosalkar, on a Facebook live yesterday. The two have been at loggerheads for quite some time and were reportedly burying the hatchet during the video.
Popularly known as Mauris 'Bhai', Noronha was a poker player who had gained a positive reputation for assisting thousands of underprivileged individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. He had recently returned to Mumbai from Los Angeles. His intention to contest the upcoming corporator elections took a hit when the son of a prominent Shiv Sena UBT leader, Abhishek Ghosalkar, opposed his candidacy.
The situation further intensified as a case of rape was registered against Noronha, leading to his arrest. Suspecting that Abhishek Ghosalkar was behind the legal troubles he faced, Noronho allegedly came up with a plan and shot Ghosalkar multiple times before taking his own life.
A viral video of the incident, which took place at assailant Noronha's office in IC Colony in the northern suburb of Borivali (West) on Thursday evening, showed Ghosalkar being shot in the abdomen and shoulder.
Abhishek Ghosalkar (right) had gone to Mauris Noronha's office to talk and resolve their differences
Two FIRs have been registered in the case, one for murder and the other for suicide. The Crime Branch of Mumbai Police has taken over the investigation into this tragic incident.
Mumbai police have arrested one person after Ghosalkar was shot and killed on camera. The person arrested, Mehul Parikh, was also reportedly at the site when the shootings took place.
During the live, Noronha gets up to greet Mehul Parikh. Shortly after this, the shootings occur. The police are investigating whether Mr Parikh played any role or had prior knowledge of the shooting.
The murder of Mr Ghosalkar comes days after a BJP MLA was caught on camera firing at a leader of the Eknath Shinde faction, Mahesh Gaikwad.
Aaditya Thackeray, former state minister and the son of Uddhav Thackeray, said that Maharashtra is earning a bad name due to such incidents.
"Now I have received information that bullets have been fired on Abhishek Ghosalkar... How many days should we bear it? Maharashtra is not only getting defamed by this, people are also feeling scared. The most important thing is that the industry will not come to Maharashtra, such a situation has arisen in the state," Mr Thackeray said.