The clash between MNS activists and north Indians in Pisavli village that left two north Indians and one MNS worker dead seems to have another angle to it. A day after tension gripped this village, located on the outskirts of Kalyan, Pandharinath, uncle of the slain MNS activist, Gurunath Bhoir, has alleged that Kailas Shinde, a local Shiv Sena corporator, was responsible for the attack and the MNS-north Indian clash was used as tool to exploit the situation and get Gurunath killed. In fact, barely a week ago, Gurunath had complained to the Manpada police that he was anticipating an attack from Shinde.

Shinde was, however, not available for comments and is absconding. “There were no clashes between the MNS and the north Indians till now and we have had cordial relations with the north Indians in our village,” said Gurunath’s uncle.

“It would be difficult to comment on it as probe is on. If we find Shinde’s involvement in this case, we will nab him,” said C S Ughade, Additional Commissioner (East Region) of the Thane police.

The two north Indians killed — Omprakash Dubey (34) and Mayur Dubey (30) — were both homeopathy doctors.

Bhoir, a builder, has an eight-month-old son. Mayur has a 15-day-old daughter and Omprakash is survived by three children.

The incident occurred at the time when MNS chief Raj Thackeray was arrested and kept at the Manpada police station, not far from the village. Pisavli’s population is estimated to be 30,000 and around 60 per cent of the residents are north Indians, a majority of whom stay in houses rented by the locals. Moreshwar Bhoir, MNS Kalyan taluka unit chief, stays in the same village.

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