Bhiwandi BJP neta, cousin brutally murdered; Police suspect property dispute

Thane: Bhiwandi was shaken late on Monday night by a gruesome double murder that claimed the lives of local BJP neta Praful Tangadi (45) and his cousin Tejas Tangadi (22). The victims were hacked with swords and other sharp weapons in an attack police believe was fuelled by a long-standing property dispute.According to Bhiwandi Taluka police, the victims were residents of Khardi village in Bhiwandi taluka of Thane district. Praful, a well-known figure in local politics, was serving as the Thane Rural Vice President of the BJP Yuva Morcha and also ran a construction firm named JDT Enterprises. Known for his social work, Praful was considered a strong grassroots local neta with influence in the area.The incident happened on Monday night when after closing their office, Praful and Tejas were heading home when four to five masked men suddenly surrounded them outside the office premises. They attacked the cousins with swords and other sharp weapons, leaving both men critically injured.A local villager who witnessed the brutal assault immediately ran to inform Praful's cousin Umesh, who lived nearby. Umesh rushed to the scene, placed the bleeding victims in a car, and drove them to the hospital. Tragically, doctors declared both men dead before they could be admitted.The killings sparked immediate outrage among family members, who blamed the police for negligence. They alleged that the main suspect, Vicky Mhatre, who is among the 12 individuals named in the FIR, attacked Praful last year. Despite the earlier assault, they claim no significant police action was taken, which emboldened the accused.The family revealed that just hours before his death, Praful was in high spirits. He returned from Mumbai's Taj Hotel after celebrating his younger son's birthday on Sunday.News of the double murder spread quickly, prompting large gatherings of BJP workers outside the hospital and in Khardi village. MLA Mahesh Chougule also reached the spot, demanding swift arrests and justice for the victims.Given the tension in the area, Thane Rural Police deployed additional forces to prevent any law-and-order issues.An FIR has been registered against 12 people, including prime accused Vicky Mhatre, over the murders. To fast-track the investigation, police have formed six dedicated teams comprising personnel from the Bhiwandi Taluka Police and the Local Crime Branch.Authorities are currently scanning CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to determine the attackers' identities and verify whether they match the names in the FIR.The victims' family has appealed to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action not only against the accused but also against the police officers whose alleged inaction in last year's attack, they say, paved the way for this fatal incident.

Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays, public holidays, and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.