Maharashtra has seen lawlessness like never before: Aaditya Thackeray after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader shot dead

Aaditya Thackeray. File Photo

Tearing into the Eknath Shinde-led NDA government in the state after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar was shot dead in Mumbai on Thursday, former minister and party leader Aaditya Thackeray said such lawlessness never prevailed under previous regimes, reported news agency ANI.

Ghosalkar was reportedly shot at by a lone assailant, identified as Mauris Noronha, in the Dahisar area of Mumbai. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, reported ANI.

Later, the assailant, Noronha, too, shot himself dead, according to the police.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader shot dead: 'Maharashtra has seen lawlessness like never before'

Claiming a total breakdown of law and order under the current dispensation, Aaditya Thackeray took to his official X handle to post, "Maharashtra has seen lawlessness like never before. It is shocking beyond words to see the law-and-order situation fail as it has today. Does the system exist at all to protect the common man? Does fear of the law exist? Administration has fully crumbled to being absent."

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police said it had not issued any licenced firearm to the assailant, Noronha, reported ANI.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader shot dead: Case handed over to Mumbai Police Crime Branch

"The weapon used in the firing incident in the Dahisar area is suspected to be an illegal firearm. No arms licence was issued to Morris by the Mumbai Police. The case involving the murder of Abhishek Ghosalkar has been handed over to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. Further investigation is underway," the Mumbai Police said in a statement, reported ANI.

The mortal remains of the deceased Shiv Sena (UBT) leader were taken to the state-run JJ Hospital for a post-mortem, reported ANI.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader shot dead: 'There is a reign of goons in Maharashtra'

The incident evoked fury from several Opposition leaders in the state, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut demanding the resignation of CM Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, reported ANI.

Taking to his official X handle, Sanjay Raut posted, "There is a reign of goons in Maharashtra! Mauris Noronha, who shot Abhishek Ghosalkar four days ago, was at the (CM's) bungalow. The chief minister met him."

"Morris was invited to join the Shinde Sena. (Devendra) Fadnavis has proved to be a complete failure as Home Minister. He must resign," Raut claimed in his post.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader shot dead: 'Jungle Raj'

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said the incident marks the beginning of 'Jungle Raj' in the state.

"There is no rule of law in Maharashtra. Law and order have collapsed in the state. Such incidents of firing by the MLAs of the ruling party mark the beginning of 'Jungle Raj' (in Maharashtra)," Patole told ANI on Thursday.

Significantly, this was the second such incident this month.

In a similar incident earlier, BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad allegedly opened fire at Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) faction leader Mahesh Gaikwad at Hill Line Police Station in Ulhasnagar, triggering sharp reactions from Opposition leaders.

(With inputs from ANI)