Thane, Dec 2 (PTI): A builder was shot dead outside his office while his friend was attacked with swords by a group of 6 to 7 unidentified attackers in Vasai area of Thane district.

The attackers fired at Sailesh Gajanan Thakur (37) from point blank range while he was standing outside his office last evening and attacked his friend Prakash Handore, 45, with swords, API Anil Thorve of Vasai police station said.

Thakur died on the spot while Handore was critically injured.

Handore has been admitted to the Cardinal Gracis Hospital at Vasai and is said to be critical.

According sources, Thakur belonged to Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), a party led by Hitendra Thakur enjoying clout in the Vasai-Virar belt. The attack is suspected to be a case of political rivalry.

Police have launched a manhunt to nab the killers after registering offences against them under sections 302, 307, 120-B rw 34 of IPC and also under 3, 4, 25(c) of the Arms Act.