The 27-year-old Ranjit Dahat, who had terrorized the residents of Panchasheel Nagar, was involved in several serious offences including murder, theft, assault and threatening. Last year, he was booked for murdering his brother-in-law, but was acquitted by the court recently.

According to the police, Ranjit and his aides would often harass people in the locality for money. They would create drunken scenes and threaten people who were unable to meet their demands. The residents had lodged several complaints in this connection with the Pachpaoli police, but this did not affect Ranjit.

A few days ago, the goon was at it again, creating a ruckus along with his aide Bandu Ganvir. Thisgenerated a great deal of anger among the residents and they approached the Pachpaoli police. While Bandu was arrested, Ranjit went into hiding. Around 11 pm on Thursday, Ranjit was spotted by some people in the locality and soon the information spread to the other residents.

A mob of around 40 to 50 people, armed with sticks, kerosene and diesel cans, gathered at the Panchasheel Nagar chowk and literally pounced upon Ranjit. The goon was first beaten black and blue.

Later, some of the assailants poured kerosene and diesel on Ranjit and set him ablaze. He was badly burnt below his torso and died on the spot, police said.