The tension between Abhishek Ghosalkar (right) and Mauris Noronha (left) had been brewing for some timeAbhishek Ghosalkar and his attacker are both dead. Ghosalkar was the son of Vinod Ghosalkar, a former councillor of the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena. The man with the gun was Mauris Noronha, popularly known as “Mauris bhai” in Mumbai’s Borivali.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar, 40, was shot dead during a Facebook Live by Mauris Noronha, who also ended his own life. The tension between Ghosalkar and Noronha had been brewing for some time, evident in their public reconciliation attempt during the ill-fated video broadcast. The footage captured the tragic moment when Ghosalkar was fatally shot in the abdomen and shoulder by Noronha who then reportedly killed himself.
Who was Abhishek Ghosalkar?
Abhishek Ghosalkar was a respected leader within the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, who served as a former corporator and the Director of the Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank. His lineage and political affiliations were deeply rooted in Mumbai’s political fabric. His father was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 2009 to 2014. His unexpected death has shocked the city.
Who was Mauris Noronha?
Mauris Noronha projected an image of a philanthropist on social media. He had recently returned to Mumbai from Los Angeles. His reputation took a hit following his arrest on serious charges including blackmail, rape, and threats against a woman. He suspected Ghosalkar’s involvement in the case.
Reports suggest that he intended to contest the upcoming corporator elections, but Abhishek Ghosalkar opposed his candidacy.
What next?
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed condolences and promised a thorough investigation into Ghosalkar’s murder. Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, called for the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, intensifying political tensions.
The Mumbai Police, spearheaded by the Crime Branch, have launched an investigation and arrested Mehul Parikh, who was present during the fatal Facebook Live. Two FIRs have been registered in the case, one for murder and the other for suicide.
During the live, Noronha is seen getting up to greet Mehul Parikh. He was shot dead after this. The police are investigating whether Parikh played any role or had prior knowledge of the shooting.
The murder of Ghosalkar comes days after a BJP MLA was caught on camera firing at a leader of the Eknath Shinde faction, Mahesh Gaikwad.