Maharashtra: BJP leader, his family members shot dead at house
What's the story
In a shocking incident, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his family members were shot dead by unknown assailants on Sunday night at his residence. Five people, including an accomplice, lost their lives in the carnage. The three gunmen fled the scene after the murders, but later surrendered before the police, a senior cop told PTI. Further investigation is underway.
Deceased
Who are those who died?
Apart from 55-year-old Ravindra Kharat, who was a BJP corporator in Jalgaon district, his brother Sunil, aged 56 years, and two sons Premsagar (26) and Rohit (25), were murdered. The fifth one to die was Gajare, who was unfortunately present at their residence when miscreants barged in around 9:30 pm. While two people died instantly, three breathed their last when being taken to hospital.
Statement
Criminals used country-made weapons, said police
About the crime, a senior cop told PTI that the criminals used country-made pistol and knife. All the weapons used for the crime have been recovered. "They entered the leader's home and sprayed bullets on him and his family members. After firing all the assailants fled the spot but later surrendered themselves at the police station," the officer went on.
Quote
It looks like a case of personal dispute: Senior official
"Prima facie it looks like a case of a personal dispute. We have detained three persons in the matter. The accused have also sustained some injuries and are being treated at a hospital," said Superintendent of Police (SP) Panjabrao Ugale.
Elections
Meanwhile, Maharashtra is gearing up for polls
The deaths sparked outrage in the area. Police have registered a murder case at Bajarpeth police station. The gruesome murders come just days before Maharashtra Assembly polls. Elections for 288 Assembly seats of the state will be held on October 21, along with Haryana. The results of the first Assembly polls after the general elections of April-May will be declared on October 24.