Locals protest against Congress corporator’s murder near Mumbai

A mob of around 500-1,000 people protested and staged a rasta roko on Thursday in Bhiwandi

The group of Bhiwandi locals gathered in hundreds to protest against the killing of a Congress corporator, who was allegedly killed by his cousin on Tuesday.

Manoj Mhatre,53, a sitting corporator from Congress, was allegedly gunned down by his cousin brother Prashant and seven others. (HT FILE)

A mob of around 500-1,000 people protested and staged a rasta roko on Thursday in Bhiwandi near the main junction and also on the road that connects Kalwar and Oswalwadi.

Manoj Mhatre,53, a sitting corporator from Congress, was allegedly gunned down by his cousin brother Prashant and seven others. After the accused misfired twice, at the third attempt they shot him in the back. They then killed him using swords and choppers.

A police officer from Narpoli police station said,”We have booked Prashant but he is absconding along with his seven accomplices. We have seized the chopper and have formed eight teams including crime branch teams to nab the accused. We have questioned more than people, including relatives and friends of Manoj Mhatre.”

This was not the first time that Manoj Mhatre was attacked. He was first assaulted in 2012 and then in 2015 but he escaped death. Prashant allegedly killed Manoj as he wanted his seat. The corporator’s family has told the cops that one of them had witnessed the attack.

However, police are still looking for the accused and teams have been sent to Ratnagiri, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Shirdi and other places.

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