MUMBAI: Milind More (47), the son of former Thane district undivided Shiv Sena President Raghunath More, passed away suddenly on Sunday after a violent altercation between two groups at a resort in Virar. The incident occurred when an auto rickshaw hit one of their family members. Milind and his family were heading home after enjoying a picnic at the time.Although the exact cause of death remains unknown, family members reported that a group of men struck the victim on his chest, possibly triggering a cardiac arrest. Raghunath had taken over as Thane district president following the passing of Anand Dighe in August 2001.
The Arnala police have filed a case against the accused men, charging them with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash driving, and rioting. No arrests have been made thus far. The incident took place around 5.30 pm when Milind and his family of over 15 members were preparing to leave the Seven Sea Waterpark and Beach Resort in Navapur for their home in Thane. As the auto rickshaw driver was reversing, he accidentally hit Milind’s nephew, trapping the nephew’s leg under the rear wheel. In response, Milind slapped the driver, which prompted a group of 8 to 10 men from the resort to begin assaulting Milind, allegedly punching him repeatedly. The resort’s closed circuit television captured the incident on video.
According to the family’s statements to the police, the mob targeted Milind’s chest and abdomen during the assault, potentially causing him to suffer a heart attack. Milind was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The police have stated that the autopsy report will help determine the cause of death.