In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the political circles of Maharashtra, Mangesh Kalokhe, the husband of a recently elected Shiv Sena corporator, was brutally murdered in Khopoli on Friday morning. The attack occurred as he was returning home after dropping his son at school.
Details of the Fatal Attack
According to initial police reports, the tragic event unfolded in the morning hours of Friday. Mangesh Kalokhe was on his motorcycle, heading back after ensuring his son reached school safely. It was during this return journey that he was ambushed. Two unidentified assailants, reportedly traveling in a black car, intercepted him. They launched a vicious assault using sharp weapons, commonly referred to as choppers. After attacking Kalokhe, the perpetrators fled the scene immediately, leaving him critically injured.
Despite the severity of the attack happening in a public area, the assailants managed to escape. Mangesh Kalokhe succumbed to his injuries on the spot, before any medical aid could reach him. The local police were promptly alerted and rushed to the location to secure the crime scene and begin their probe.
Victim's Political Connections and Aftermath
The murder has drawn significant attention due to the victim's immediate family link to local politics. Mangesh Kalokhe was married to Manasi Kalokhe, a corporator who recently won the Khopoli Municipal Council elections. She represents the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The timing of the murder, following closely on the heels of her electoral victory, has added a complex layer to the case, though the exact motive remains unclear.
Law enforcement authorities have registered a formal case and have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the killing. Teams are working to analyze CCTV footage from the vicinity, identify the black car used in the crime, and determine the possible reasons behind the targeted attack. The police are exploring all angles, including personal enmity and potential political rivalry, but have not released any official statements regarding suspects or a concrete motive at this early stage.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The brutal murder in Khopoli has left the local community in a state of fear and disbelief. The brazen nature of the attack in broad daylight has raised serious concerns about law and order. Political figures from various parties have expressed their condolences to the bereaved family, particularly to Corporator Manasi Kalokhe, and have demanded a swift and thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
The police investigation is currently focused on piecing together the sequence of events and tracking down the two unidentified men. The case has been given high priority, and officials have assured the public that no stone will be left unturned. The coming days are expected to see intensified investigative efforts as the search for the killers continues.
