Abhishek Ghosalkar shot dead: YT tutorials from Dec, firearm training from bodyguard since Jan

Investigation into the murder case of Abhishek Ghosalkar reveals that the accused, Mauris Noronha, who also died by suicide after killing Ghosalkar, received firearm training from his bodyguard, Amrendra Mishra. Sources indicate that over the last month, Noronha was actively learning how to handle, load, and fire a pistol, with Mishra unaware of his intentions to harm anyone. Additionally, investigators discovered Noronha's search history, which included YouTube videos on pistol usage and firing techniques.

According to sources within the Crime Branch, the accused's web search history was examined to determine if there were any connections to the murder and suicide case. The police were astonished to discover that since mid-December, the accused had been searching numerous YouTube videos on pistol usage and firing techniques. "In the live video, it is evident that the shots fired at Ghosalkar did not miss, suggesting that the individual was highly proficient in using the pistol," said an officer familiar with the investigation.

The chilling message that Mauris Noronha posted on social media on January 29

During the interrogation, officers questioned Mishra, who disclosed that Noronha had inquired about pistol usage, and he had provided training on loading, unloading, and dry shooting with the same firearm used to kill Ghosalkar. "Thus far, we have not uncovered any evidence of a conspiracy between Mishra and Noronha; it appears that Mishra simply fulfilled his duties as a bodyguard, permitting Noronha to use his pistol for dry training," the officer added.

Police sources have revealed that Noronha had planned to kill Ghosalkar on February 7 after inviting him to his shop. Ghosalkar arrived at 9.22 pm, but by then, Noronha's bodyguard had left for his residence, and since the weapon was not available, Noronha abandoned the plan to kill Ghosalkar. Subsequently, he planned it for the next day and shot Ghosalkar four times during a Facebook Live session.

Day before the incident

The officials said that Noronha was a good cook and was very fond of eating and serving it to his friends. A day before committing the crime, he felt like eating mutton korma but instead of cooking at home, he decided to eat at the Fountain Hotel in Ghodbandar. He went there with some friends that night.

Noronha's office in IC Colony in the immediate aftermath murder on Thursday. Pic/Anurag Ahire

At around 3 am he departed from the restaurant and headed home but some of his friends proceeded to Five D's in Malad for tea before dispersing to their respective residences in the wee hours on the day of the incident. The Crime Branch is interrogating these friends of Mauris.

On the day of the incident

On the day of the incident, Morris was not accompanied by anyone close to him at his office even if someone visited, their stay was brief. Only Abhishek Ghosalkar's workers and associates were seen outside Mauris's office during the incident. Surveillance cameras were reportedly installed both inside and outside Mauris's office. It appears that Mauris had meticulously planned the murder, evident from his decision to deactivate the camera inside the office, leaving only the exterior camera operational, the officer added.

The Case

During the investigation, the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Mauri's bodyguard, Mishra. Since Mauris had used Mishra's Indian-made .45 bore pistol. The Crime Branch booked and arrested Mishra charged under Section 29B and 30 of the Arms Act. Mishra had been Mauris's bodyguard for over 4 months, according to police sources. The police also recorded statements from Mauris's wife and his mother-in-law. Mauris's wife allegedly told the police that Mauris was frustrated with Ghosalkar's harassment and had expressed his intention to kill Ghosalkar.