Overview
- Mangesh Kalokhe, 45, the husband of newly elected Shiv Sena councillor Mansi Kalokhe, was attacked around 7 am near Jaya Bar in Khopoli after dropping his children at school, with assailants ramming his bike and striking with sharp weapons.
- Raigad police registered an FIR against ten accused, naming six and listing four unidentified suspects, including NCP district president Sudhakar Ghare and district spokesperson Bharat Bhagat, on allegations of conspiracy.
- Police said the main accused, Ravindra Devkar, and his son Darshan were arrested on Saturday after special teams were formed to track the suspects and intercepted the pair near Nagothane.
- Investigators indicate a political rivalry linked to the December 20 municipal elections as the likely motive, and they are examining a suspected contract killing angle.
- The killing prompted protests and market closures in Khopoli, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met the family and pledged strict action.