Mumbai: Thousands pay condolences to a beloved leader

Vinod Ghosalkar, his wife Madhuri, daughter-in-law Tejasvee and granddaughter paying their respects. Pics/Satej Shinde

Abhishek Ghosalkar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader who was shot dead by his political rival Mauris Noronha on Thursday in Dahisar, had served as a corporator between 2012 and 2017. Thousands of well-wishers had gathered for his funeral. Uddhav Thackeray, his family and political leaders across party lines visited Borivli to pay condolences to the young leader.

Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray at the funeral

Uddhav Thackeray, wife Rashmi, and son Aaditya visited family members around 1.15 pm for half an hour. Uddhav waited to discuss with other leaders outside the building for about 10 to 15 minutes. Sanjay Raut and Anil Parab accompanied them. Several leaders across the party line like Ambadas Danve, Anil Desai, Subhash Desai, Rajan Vichare, Vinayak Raut, Ramesh Korgaonkar, Bhai Jagtap, Jitendra Awhad, Pravin Darekar, Rakhi Jadhav, Milind Vaidya, Vishakha Raut, Sanjay Ghadi, Ashish Chemburkar visited to pay condolences. None of the leaders spoke to the media, except for Pravin Darekar, a BJP leader, who said this was not the right time to start any controversy. We are here to support the family.

Political leaders present at the funeral

Abhishek along with his wife, would have left for their anniversary tour early in the morning on Friday only if he was not shot dead the previous evening. Abhishek married Tejasvee Darekar on February 14, Valentine's Day back in 2013.

Thousands gather at the crematorium. Pics/Satej Shinde

"The couple planned a tour to Manali for their 11th marriage anniversary, and their flight was early morning on Friday. They would have been on their tour today if the horrific incident hadn't happened. Or I wish they had planned it a day before," said Sanjana Ghadi, spokesperson of Sena UBT with teary eyes. Abhishek leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter, Yashvi, and a two-year-old son, Satej. Though his daughter seemed to be aware of what happened, innocent son, wasn't able to figure out the situation.