Thane: The Shri Nagar police in Thane arrested two more accused in connection with the attempted murder of a hotelier, raising the total number of arrests to seven. Among those newly detained are Paresh Wagh and the personal assistant Shubham Lokhande of the prime accused, developer Bhushan Bhanushali, who remains on the run despite his bail pleas being rejected by both the Bombay High Court and the Thane sessions court.The case dates back to July 16, when a hotelier was viciously attacked at an office in Wagle Estate. According to police, the assault was triggered by a minor dispute involving Bhanushali’s son. Around 3:15 p.m., the hotelier arrived for a business meeting when a mob of approximately 21 men stormed the premises and launched a brutal attack. The assailants reportedly used everyday objects like cups, paperweights, and flowerpots to inflict injuries, including a severe blow to the victim’s private parts. He was hospitalised following the incident.An FIR was registered the same day under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder, rioting, unlawful assembly, house trespass, mischief, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt. Police have also seized Bhanushali’s licensed firearm.While some of the accused have secured bail, others remain in custody. The delay in arresting Bhanushali has sparked criticism, with local resident Mahesh More accusing the police of dragging their feet due to the developer’s influence and his alleged political connections, which is why he is being protected.
