Mumbai Crime Branch Recovers Motorcycle Linked to Airoli RTI Activist Shooting
In a significant breakthrough, the Mumbai Crime Branch Unit-1 has successfully recovered the motorcycle used in the Airoli firing incident that left RTI activist Amit Maurya, 40, with a bullet injury near his neck. The bike was discovered abandoned on the roadside in Mumbra, as reported by George Mendonca, marking a crucial step in the ongoing investigation into the violent attack.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The incident occurred on Monday night at approximately 11:45 PM, when Maurya and his friend Sandeep Gavas, 44, were standing near Gavas's parked MUV. A helmeted biker approached them, brandishing a pistol and firing in their direction. As the duo attempted to dodge the shots, two bullets struck the MUV's windscreen. When Maurya and Gavas fled, the assailant fired two additional rounds. One bullet pierced Maurya's neck near the left ear, while the other aimed at Gavas hit a wall on the roadside.
Police Investigation and Recovery Efforts
A police source revealed that CCTV camera footage was meticulously scanned to track the shooter on the bike. Although the helmet prevented identification, the bike's registration number was visible in some footage. This led to the discovery of the abandoned motorcycle in Mumbra in the early hours of Wednesday. By obtaining owner details from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) using the registration number, it was confirmed that the bike had been stolen from Sanpada.
Victim's Condition and Medical Treatment
Maurya underwent surgery at Fortis Hospital in Mulund, where the bullet lodged near his neck was successfully removed. Police reported that his condition is now stable, and he has been transferred from the intensive care unit to a general ward, indicating a positive recovery trajectory.
Ongoing Police Efforts and Forensic Analysis
Senior Inspector Tanaji Bhagat of the Crime Branch Unit-1 stated that the accused shooter is being actively traced, with vital leads already obtained. He emphasized that while the possibility of a contract killing cannot be confirmed at this stage, the motive behind the murder attempt will only become clear upon the shooter's arrest. The firearm used in the crime has been identified as a country-made pistol. Additionally, the shell casings from the four fired bullets found at the crime scene have been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed analysis to gather further evidence.
