Probe into murder of Thackeray group leader during Facebook Live transferred to Mumbai Crime Branch

The investigation into the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar during a Facebook Live has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, an official said.

The investigation into the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar during a Facebook Live has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, an official said.

Ghosalkar was speaking live on Facebook about his political work when he was shot thrice while the live video was still on. The incident took place at IC Colony, Borivali, in the suburbs of Mumbai, said the police.

Son of former Uddhav Sena MLA Vinod Ghosalkar, Abhishek is a former corporator whereas his father, Vinod was an MLA (2009-2014) from Dahisar region.

According to police, Abhishek was rushed to Karuna Hospital which is nearby. At present he is undergoing treatment and is critical, said police officials.

The person who shot at Abhishek is identified as Morris Noronho; who was also seen in the Facebook live video, asking Abhishek to speak to the online audience in the live feed. Noronho has past criminal records, said the police.

As soon as the session was over and Abhishek got up to step outside the room, Noronho opened fire at him. A few moments later, Noronho shot himself, although his condition is not known yet, informed the police present at the crime site. The local crime branch team is investigating the matter.

Speaking to press, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former minister Aaditya Thackeray said, “There is a government of goons in the state. There is no law and order in the state. First the firing took place in Kalyan and now it is taking place in Mumbai.”