Nagpur, India: In a significant revelation in the Gokulpeth shootout case, police have confirmed that Avinash Raju Bhusari (28), owner of Shosha Café, had received a death threat just eight days before he was shot dead by members of the Hiranwar gang.

The incident took place early Tuesday morning outside Bhusari’s café in Gokulpeth. He was attacked while eating ice cream, unaware that the shooters had been watching and waiting for the right moment to strike.

Police officials revealed that Bhusari became a target after the gang learned he was trying to secure bail for his cousin, Aviraj alias Avi Bhusari, who is in jail for the murder of Pawan Hiranwar. Pawan was killed on 2nd January this year, and Avi, along with his accomplices, was arrested in connection with the case.

According to investigators, Avinash had received a threatening phone call from a Hiranwar gang member and had shared this with a friend. However, the police were not alerted about the threat.

Sources said the gang had initially planned to target a member or relative of the rival Shekhu gang. The shooters reportedly began scouting for a victim from around 8 pm, visiting three locations but failing to find any targets. Later that night, they came across Avinash Bhusari outside his café and decided to go ahead with the attack.

So far, police have arrested two accomplices involved in the murder. However, the main shooters are still at large. Authorities believe they have fled Nagpur and are currently hiding in Madhya Pradesh. Special police teams have been formed and a search operation is underway to track them down.

The brutal killing has sent shockwaves through the city, highlighting the growing threat of gang violence and the urgent need for preventive action.