A 54-year-old murder accused who was out on bail was stabbed and shot dead outside Ulhasnagar railway station on Wednesday night, prompting a police investigation into the attackers and the possible motive behind the killing.
Haresh Gajwani, also known as Gajya, was allegedly attacked by unidentified assailants near the station. Vitthalwadi police said the attackers first assaulted him with a chopper before firing two rounds. One bullet hit Gajwani, while the other misfired. Locals and police took him to Central Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
The incident occurred in a public area used by commuters and residents, making the investigation significant for security around one of the city’s key transport points. A senior police officer said investigators were examining CCTV footage from the area to identify and trace the assailants. Police have not yet announced any arrests.
Deputy commissioner of police Sachin Gore said Gajwani had a criminal record and was facing a murder case registered in 2021. He had been released on bail in that case. Police suspect that the killing may have resulted from a dispute connected to the 2021 case, but Gore said all possible angles were being examined.
The police investigation is also looking at Gajwani’s recent public activities. According to the report, he had conducted campaigns against the alleged illegal sale of gutka, gambling and online gambling in the locality. Residents said he had received threats after attempting to expose these activities.
Gajwani had recently posted on X about alleged illegal activities in the area and claimed that some police personnel were supporting those involved. He tagged senior officials from several police departments, as well as the chief minister, deputy chief minister and FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. In those posts, he also expressed fear for his life and said the police personnel he had accused should be held responsible if anything happened to him.
His foster sister, Rajni Thakur, told The Times of India that Gajwani had been working for the welfare of society and had raised his voice against certain people. She alleged that he had received threats and demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible for his death.
Gajwani lived with his wife and daughter in Ambernath and had earlier lived in Ulhasnagar’s Camp 4 area, where he was involved in social work. His elder son, who had thalassemia, died three years ago after battling the illness for 13 years.
Police are continuing to review CCTV footage and investigate whether the killing was connected to the 2021 murder case, the alleged illegal activities Gajwani had raised publicly, or another dispute. The attackers remain unidentified, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the probe.
