Man, 40, shot dead in Kurla on Bhai Dooj; 12 police teams search for attackers

A 40-year-old man was shot dead in broad daylight in Kurla on the afternoon of Bhai Dooj, during the Diwali festivities. The incident caused panic in the area.

The deceased has been identified as Vinod Mallappa Pawar. He had come near a toilet close to the Halav bridge in the afternoon when two men who arrived on a motorbike fired three rounds at him. He was taken in an injured state to the civic-run Bhabha Hospital in Kurla, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving the news, Additional Commissioner of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni, Deputy Commissioner Ganesh Shinde and police officers from various divisions reached the spot. A forensic team also visited the scene and collected evidence.

This is the second murder in the Pawar family in six months. About six months ago, Vinod's elder brother Baba Pawar was also shot dead in a similar manner. The family lives in Makadwala Compound in Kurla. It is said that the family has two factions, which have been locked in a struggle for dominance for several years. The other faction is said to have killed Baba Pawar six months ago in this dispute.

After Vinod's killing, members of the Pawar family staged a sit-in outside the Vinoba Bhave Nagar police station, demanding justice. When a suspected accused was brought to the police station, family members tried to beat him, leading to an argument with the police. The family said they wanted justice and would not leave until they got it.

Police have formed 12 teams to investigate the case. The accused were still absconding late at night. The Vinoba Bhave Nagar police are investigating. Deputy Commissioner of Police Ganesh Shinde said one person has been detained. The murder is believed to be the result of old enmity.

It is said that both factions have criminal backgrounds. A case of murder is already registered against the deceased, Vinod Pawar. The reason for the killing and who was involved are questions that remain unanswered. All eyes are now on what action the police take next.