Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader dies after being shot during facebook livestream

A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader was fatally shot while conducting a Facebook livestream in Mumbai's Dahisar area on February 8. Abhishek Ghosalkar, son of prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinod Ghosalkar and a former corporator, succumbed to his injuries sustained from multiple gunshot wounds.

The incident occurred during a Facebook livestream featuring Abhishek Ghosalkar and Mauris Noronha, also known as Mauris Bhai. Noronha abruptly exited the livestream before returning and opening fire on Ghosalkar, firing three shots before taking his own life, according to police reports.

Mauris Noronha, a resident of Borivali West, purportedly presented himself as a social worker with political ambitions. He had garnered attention on social media platforms by sharing images alongside various politicians. Investigations revealed that both Ghosalkar and Noronha operated adjacent offices and were allegedly embroiled in a power struggle for local political dominance.

The incident has sparked outrage among political circles, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut condemning the state of law and order, labeling it as "Gunda raj in Maharashtra." Raut raised questions regarding Mauris Noronha's recent visit to the Varsha bungalow, the official residence of the Chief Minister asserting that such incidents highlight failures within the administration.

This event follows a recent escalation in political violence within Maharashtra, exemplified by the shooting of Shiv Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad by BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad in Ulhasnagar. The altercation, which occurred inside the office of a senior police officer, resulted from a longstanding land dispute between the two parties, leaving both politicians injured along with Shiv Sena MLA Rahul Patil.