A 30-year-old man with a criminal background was allegedly murdered by members of a rival group in Nalasopara late Friday night in what police believe was a pre-planned attack. The victim, Shubham Mishra, was assaulted near the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Nalasopara West around 11:30 pm.
Police said Mishra, a resident of Nalasopara East, had several criminal cases registered against him and had recently returned to the locality after completing a jail term and a period of externment.
On the night of the incident, Mishra was at a bar in Nalasopara East with friends when he reportedly had a confrontation with Roshan Singh, with whom he had a prior dispute. Later, he allegedly received a call from Tinkal Mishra asking him to meet near the temple.
Investigators suspect the meeting was a trap. Mishra, accompanied by his friend Ankit Pandey, reached the spot in an autorickshaw. Soon after, Singh and his associates — identified as Jagan Mahendi, Sunil Malusare alias Biksh, Tinkal Mishra and Suraj Kabadiya — arrived on two-wheelers. Police said a few other unidentified individuals were also present.
According to officials, Mishra was first attacked with a knife and then assaulted with stones after being knocked to the ground. The accused fled the scene following the assault.
Pandey, who was allegedly overpowered during the attack, later rushed Mishra to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead around midnight.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Purnima Chougule-Shringi stated that the murder appeared to have been carefully planned. One suspect has been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused.
An FIR has been registered at Nalasopara police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting and armed assault, along with provisions of the Arms Act. Investigation into the case is underway