Gunshots were heard in broad daylight at Jangli Maharaj Road, when city builder Nikhil Rane was shot at by unidentified assailants. The incident took place when Rane (42), was going to his office, which is located on the second floor in Anant Chambers.

The builder sustained injuries on his right shoulder and was rushed to Sancheti Hospital.



Manoj Kumar Shah, a share broker, who owns a firm just opposite Rane's office, told MiD DAY, "We heard a loud noise that sounded like an explosion. My staff informed me that Rane was lying with blood stains on him. We immediately contacted the police and my son Mihir and a few employees from Rane's construction firm rushed him to the hospital."

Incidentally, Rane's father Ramkrishna, who is an advocate and his younger brother Sunil have their offices on the first floor of the same building. Both were away for work when this incident happened. According to the police, Rane first dropped his wife Ashwini at the office and went out for some work.

No clues
His father Ramkrishna said, "This has come as a complete shock. My son is docile and very soft spoken. He has been in this business for the last 19 years and has never confessed about any kind of pressure. I am completely clueless about who could have attacked him."

DCP Dnyaneshwar Phadtare of Zone I said, "The investigation is on and we have not been able to trace any clues as yet." PI Maya Bankar of Shivajinagar police station told MiD DAY, "We are in the process of noting down the statements of his relatives. We are considering all angles including family, business rivalry and others."

Meanwhile, Dr Parag Sancheti, director of Sancheti Hospital, said, "The patient's condition is critical. The next 48 hours are crucial, and he has been put on ventilator."