The businessman had been out drinking with his friends and was just leaving the bar when the unidentified gunmen fired at the group; one of his friends also got shot and later died in a hospital
A property dealer was shot dead outside a bar in Mira-Bhayander Road in a firing incident last night that also resulted in the death of his friend. Police suspect the attack may have been caused by professional rivalry.
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Two assailants on motorbikes opened four rounds of fire on Vijay Pradhan and his friends. The assailants fired at their car (top right) as well, when the victims attempted to escape in it. PicS/Azim Tamboli
Mira Road resident Vijay Pradhan alias Bunty, who is the proprietor of Dolphin Properties, had been drinking with his friends and cousin at Pushpak bar in the Golden Nest locality. No sooner had Pradhan and his friends stepped out at 9.30 pm, than they were attacked by two men on motorcycles.
The unidentified assailants opened four rounds of fire, shooting Pradhan in the head. One of his friends, Sachin Vijaykar, also got shot. He was taken to Thunga Hospital in Mira Road, where he later died of his bullet wounds.
Pradhan’s cousin Rajesh Johori, who was also part of the group, fled the scene, while the cops are yet to ascertain what happened to the fourth person in the group.
Kanakia police are now investigating the identity of the attackers. The cops suspect that the assailants already knew Pradhan’s whereabouts and had planned the entire attack in advance.
“We think it was professional rivalry. Pradhan owned Dolphin Properties, which must have some link to the incident,” a police officer said.