mumbai

Updated: Oct 16, 2016 17:43 IST

A 61-year-old RTI activist was shot dead on Saturday night at his Kalina residence in Mumbai. His family members claimed that he had taken on politicians and other persons involved in illegal construction.

Sheela Vira, daughter-in-law of the victim — identified as Bhupendra Vira — said, “My father-in-law took on several people who were into illegal construction. He has filed many RTI applications to get information in illegal constructions. The prime person among them is an ex-corporator.”

“We have a property dispute with the ex-corporator. He has many illegal constructions and gives weekly bribes to police and BMC so no action is taken against him. My father-in-law stood against all his wrongdoings and so he has been killed,” added Sheela.

Bhupendra was shot dead at his residence at Kalina, Santacruz (East) on Saturday night. Vakola police has launched a manhunt for the accused, who fled from the spot. As per the preliminary investigation, property dispute could be the reason behind murder, said a police officer.

Deputy Commissioner of police Virendra Mishra ( zone 8) confirmed the incident and said, “The murder case has been registered against an unknown person. We are questioning a few people to get leads in the case. The accused has not been arrested yet.”

According to the police, the incident occurred around 10 pm when the deceased, Bhupendra Vira, a resident of Razak chawl behind Kalina masjid, Santacruz ( East), was watching television. A person came to his place and shot him in the head. Before anyone could realise what had happened, the accused managed to flee.

The Vakola police was informed about the incident and the body was sent to VN Desai hospital for post mortem.