History-sheeter was shot dead in Bhandup over Navratri poster: cops

MUMBAI: A day after Santosh Tukaram Chavan, 38, a history-sheeter from Bhandup was gunned down, the police failed to arrest the four accused in the case: prime accused Amit Madhukar Bhogle and his accomplices Aditya Kshirsagar, Milind Tambe and Rakesh Raut by Wednesday.

Police sources said Chavan and Bhogle, both historysheeters, were friends who parted ways a few years back. However, both were fighting to establish supremacy in the area. Chavan was also associated with a political party.

A recent fight over a poster being put up for Navratri may have triggered the brutal murder of Chavan who was shot dead by his rivals late Monday. “We have learned that there was a spat between the groups over the poster. The exact reason behind the murder will be ascertained only after all accused have been arrested,” said a police officer privy to the investigation.

Police said both Chavan and Bhogle had criminal records and action had been taken against them in the past. “We had initiated action against both accused. Bhogle had even been externed from city limits,” said Sunil Shejwal, assistant commissioner of police, Bhandup division.

When asked if the two were involved ransom collection by threatening builders, the officer said the police had received no such complaints.

The firing took place around 11pm on Monday when Chavan was playing cards with Kumar Kongde, 21, and Jamil Suraiya at a room in Subhandar Bhaiya chawl at Sai Hill Road in Bhandup (West). The place where the firing took place was allegedly used as a gambling den.

All four assailants had firearms and opened fire on Chavan. Police said five rounds were fired and Chavan who sustained two bullet injuries on his head and one on chest succumbed to his injuries. Suraiya, too, was hit by a bullet during the firing and is recuperating at hospital.