Who Was Shiv Sena Leader Abhishek Ghosalkar and Why Was He Shot Dead?

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Tragedy struck Mumbai as Abhishek Ghosalkar, a prominent figure of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), was fatally shot during a Facebook Live session by local ‘social activist’ Mauris Noronha, who subsequently took his own life. The incident unfolded at Noronha’s office in IC Colony, Borivali (West), sending shockwaves across Maharashtra and raising concerns about the state’s law and order.

The distressing episode, captured on video, depicted Ghosalkar being shot in the abdomen and shoulder, marking a grim turn in an already tense political atmosphere. Just days prior, the state witnessed another alarming incident where CCTV footage revealed a BJP MLA firing inside a police station in Thane district, further amplifying anxieties regarding public safety.

In response to the incident, the Mumbai Crime Branch has assumed responsibility for investigating Ghosalkar’s murder, delving into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

Abhishek Ghosalkar, aged 40 and son of former MLA Vinod Ghosalkar, held significant roles within the Shiv Sena and Mumbai’s civic administration. A devoted loyalist of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, Ghosalkar served as a corporator in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and held directorship at the Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank. Known for his advocacy on citizen-centric issues, he enjoyed close ties with Aditya Thackeray, the scion of the Thackeray dynasty.

The motive behind Ghosalkar’s killing appears rooted in personal animosity between him and Mauris Noronha. Despite their past conflicts, the Facebook Live session was purportedly organized to reconcile their differences for the betterment of the IC Colony community.

Amidst the turmoil, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut alleged that Noronha had recently been courted by state minister Eknath Shinde to join the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde. These allegations, coupled with demands for resignations from opposition leaders, have stirred further political turbulence.

Responding to the tragic incident, former minister Aaditya Thackeray expressed anguish over the erosion of law and order in Maharashtra, underlining the need for swift action to restore public confidence.

As investigations unfold, authorities are piecing together the events leading to Ghosalkar’s untimely demise, probing the depths of the purported rivalry between him and Noronha. The solemn aftermath serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of public safety and the imperative of upholding justice in the face of adversity.

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