Maharashtra Opposition leader in the legislative Assembly Eknath Khadse’s son Nikhil allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with his revolver at his Jalgaon home on Wednesday evening.
He was airlifted to Godavari Rugnalaya on Bhusawal Road in Jalgaon City, where he died during the treatment. The bullet had passed through his head, sources said.
The alleged suicide took place at the senior BJP leader’s home in Kothadi village, which is about 65 km from Jalgaon city.
Mr Khadse, who was attending a programme in Kothadi, rushed to his house after hearing the news. Nikhil’s wife Rakshatai and mother Mandakini were in the house when the incident took place, sources said.
Nikhil was a former zilla parishad member, while his wife is the chairperson of the zilla parishad health and education committee. He is survived by his parents, wife and children Gurunath (2) and Krishika (6).
When contacted, former state BJP chief Sudhir Mungantiwar claimed that Nikhil was suffering from a back problem. “He could have taken the extreme step due to the unbearable back pain he was going through. I met him a few days ago and at that time, he had complained about it,” Mr Mungantiwar said.