BJP leader Pramod Mahajan shot at

Mumbai, Apr 22: BJP General Secretary Pramod Mahajan was shot at close range by his brother Pravin Mahajan this morning.

The shootout, which has shocked political circles in Mumbai and Delhi, took place at Mahajan's residence at 'Poorna' building in Worli, Central Mumbai.

According to sources, the incident was a fallout of more than a decade-old dispute over family property. Poorna building is home to several powerful politicians from the state. Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh also has his private residence in the same building.

Mr Mahajan, who suffered three bullet injuries, was taken to Hinduja hospital by his brother-in-law and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde who lives in the same building.

Mr Mahajan, who was the Telecommunications Minister in the Vajpayee-led NDA government, is known for his organisational skills and had recently returned from Asom after handling the party's election campaign in the north-eastern state.

Meanwhile, thousands of shocked party workers and leaders thronged the Hinduja hospital where Mr Mahajan is being operated upon.

UNI