Shiv Sena leader shot dead; two murders in 24 hours shocks Lonavala

Pune: Rahul Shetty, Shiv Sena leader from Lonavala city, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Monday morning 9.30am outside his residence near Yewale tea stall in Jaichand chowk. Lonavala city police are checking CCTV footage to trace the suspects. Rahul Shetty had recently lodged a complaint with police stating that a ‘supari’ (blood money) was given to kill him over a past rivalry.

Rahul Shetty is the former Lonavala city president of Shiv Sena party. His father Umesh Shetty was the Maval Taluka founder President of Shiv Sena. Umesh Shetty was also shot dead by his rivals 30 to 35 years back, said sources.

Three bullets were fired on Rahul and he was also attacked with sharp weapons by the suspects. Rahul was rushed to the hospital after the attack but he was declared dead upon arrival by the doctors.

According to police, Rahul had come near the Yewale tea stall and was having tea on Monday morning at around 9.30am. The suspects approached him and attacked him with sharp weapons. Three bullets were fired on Rahul – two on his head and one in his chest. The suspects fled from the spot immediately.

Rahul was lying in a pool of blood. He was taken to the Parmar hospital but he succumbed to the serious injuries on the spot. Rahul is survived by his mother, wife and ex-corporator Saumya Shetty, one son and daughter.

In another unrelated incident, a youth identified as Ganesh Naidu, was killed at Hanuman Tekdi in Lonavala on Sunday. One of the suspects who attacked Naidu also got seriously injured during the attack while his accomplice is absconding. Lonavala city has witnessed two murders in the last 24 hours.