Dilip Shirke had argument with son hours before firing, claim cops

During its investigation, the Mumbai crime branch has learnt that assistant sub-inspector Dilip Shirke, who shot dead his senior Vilas Joshi on May 2 inside the Vakola police station, had an argument with his son few hours before the incident.

Though the cops are verifying this information, Shirke's son Abhishek, 26, a final year commerce student, has refuted the claim.

According to a senior officer, along with studying, Abhishek was also working in a private company. But he had recently left that job. "Abhishek had also left for Nashik without informing anyone at home and Shirke was apparently upset about this. We learnt that when Abhishek returned home, an argument took place between the father and son. However, we are verifying this information," the officer said.

Refuting the claim made by the police, Abhishek said, "Everyone in my family, including my relatives know about my visit to Nashik. I had gone to Shirdi and also have photographs to substantiate my claim. I returned from Nashik on the night of May 1. Also, I never had any argument with my father. This is a complete false information given by the police."

Meanwhile, the crime branch on Tuesday sent the seized weapon used by Shirke for firing, empty pallets, the bloodstained clothes of Shirke, Joshi and Balasaheb Aher – the injured wireless operator – as well as their blood samples to the forensic science laboratory for analysis. The report is expected in two months, an officer said.