Cop dies after shooting self, two colleagues in Mumbai

Mumbai: An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) at the Vakola police station shot at the senior PI and his wireless operator — after a minor argument with the former — before turning the firearm on himself on Saturday evening. While ASI Dilip Shirke (55) died, senior PI Vilas Joshi and his wireless operator Balasaheb Aher are recuperating at the hospital. Joshi's last rites will be performed today at South Mumbai's Chandanwadi crematorium.

According to CP Rakesh Maria, who reached the spot, ASI Shirke fired at senior PI Joshi and Aher while the two were stepping out from Joshi’s cabin. “The incident took place around 8.40 pm. ASI Shirke had not reported to work the previous night when the PI on night duty marked him absent in the police station diary. This led to an argument between Mr Joshi and Shirke,” Mr Maria said, while speaking to reporters. Sources, however, added that this was the second night shift in a row, which Shirke had bunked.

An officer, who was present inside the police station, said, “After the argument, the senior PI left the cabin to head home in his civil clothes, while ASI Shirke was still inside the cabin. He came from behind and fired, hitting him on the hand. Mr Joshi was shaken and fell and while he was trying to get up, Shirke again stood over him and shot at his back and the bullet exited from the front. Mr Aher then rushed to help Mr Joshi when Shirke shot at him too and it hit him below the thigh. We then heard two more shots. Shirke was found inside the cabin in one corner with blood splattered around his head.”

A total of five rounds were fired from his pistol. Sources in the police station said Shirke was known to be short-tempered and had snapped at colleagues in the past. He had also complained previously against the erstwhile senior PI R.G. Pardeshi to the DCP and the additional CP. He was apparently due to retire in 2-3 years and was a resident of the Kole Kalyan Police Colony in Kalina. He has two sons and a daughter. Meanwhile, Mr Joshi’s blood pressure had dropped due to excessive blood loss. Meanwhile, the Mumbai police Crime Branch has started an inquiry into the case.

"We have started our investigation but it is too early to say anything concrete. Statements of those at the station will be recorded for a thorough investigation," Deputy Commissioner of Crime Branch and Mumbai Police spokesman Dhananjay Kulkarni said.

According to hospital sources, Joshi was injured in his upper abdomen and operated upon by doctors, but could not survive.