The police in Palghar have launched a major operation to locate Ashok Dhodi, a local functionary of Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, who has been missing since January 20. In connection with the disappearance, four individuals have been detained, and the investigation is progressing with the formation of eight specialised teams to solve the case, as per PTI reports.

Dhodi, who serves as the Dahanu assembly constituency coordinator for the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, was last seen on the 20th of January, after he was reportedly travelling between Gholwad and Dahanu, a journey of approximately 15 kilometres. According to police officials, Dhodi arrived in Dahanu around 4 pm and was last spotted in Gholwad at approximately 6 pm. His sudden disappearance has sparked concerns, and his wife has raised suspicions over the involvement of certain individuals, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) at Gholwad police station.