Former sarpanch killed over old political rivalry

A 59-year-old former sarpanch of Nandushi village on Sinhgad Road was shot dead by four unidentified assailants in broad daylight on Thursday afternoon at Dhayari Phata. Police suspect that the attack might have been due to fallout over political rivalry.

The deceased sarpanch has been identified as Arjun Ghule, who presided over the happenings at Nandushi village for 15 years.

Police said that three police cases including murder were registered against Ghule.

"At around 12.30 pm on Thursday, Ghule had come to Dhayari Phata. He parked his car near the bridge and went to a mobile shop. While returning to his car, four unidentified people with revolvers and sharp weapons assaulted him. Ghule managed to escape the bullets but the sharp weapons injured him," said assistant commissioner of police (crime) Rajendra Bhamare.

The four assailants then fled from the spot leaving the revolver, sharp weapons and three mobile phones at the crime scene.

After the attack Ghule was taken to a nearby hospital by locals. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.

In 2011, Ghule's grandson Akshay had fired at one Appa Akhade of the same village over some political rivalry however Akhade survived the attack. In 2012, Ghule was also attacked.

A case has been registered with Dattawadi police station and police inspector Satish Govekar and the crime branch is investigating the case.u00a0