Noted gangster Murli Balasubraminium Tewar and Fredinen Wilson Vincent were killed when he fired at the police near Bokadia House around 6.50 pm. The duo had come to collect extortion money from a local businessman, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police K L Prasad.

On a tip off, a special squad attached to Oshiwara Police station laid a trap for the duo who showed up at the rendezvous spot and opened fire when asked to surrender, said the police.

The duo were seriously injured in the subsequent exchange of fire and were declared dead before admission to Cooper Hospital.

Two revolvers, two empty and live cartridges were recovered from the crime scene. The police said Tewar was involved in 10 serious offences, including attempt to murder, dacoity and kidnapping for ransom.

Tewar had managed to give a slip to Nagpada police near Mumbai Centralrailway station on Sunday evening. His associate Vasant Pujari however was killed in the encounter.

On Sunday evening, a special squad under senior inspector of police Rafiq Sheikh laid a trap in Mumbai Cental area for Ashwin Naik aide Vasant Poojari (30), who was to collect extortion money from a local businessman. Around 11.15 pm the gangster was spotted on the pillion of a red Hero Honda motorcycle.

The squad quickly readjusted the ambush point and the motorcycle-borne gangsters were asked to halt. While Poojari was killed in the subsequent exchange of fire, Tewar managed to escape after firing at the police party.