Veteran crime journalist dead

Mumbai, Nov 6 : Veteran journalist Pradeep Shinde, who specialised in coverage of crime, died after a prolonged illness here Friday afternoon, a family friend said.

Shinde, 57, is survived by his author wife Anju Makhija, a brother and a sister.

He had been suffering from asthma and related complications and was admitted to the Brahmakumaris Hospital in Andheri West for more than 10 days.

Starting his career as a journalist nearly three decades ago, Shinde covered all aspects of crime, including white-collar and cyber crimes.

During his career, Shinde - a genial, helpful and soft-spoken person - worked in various capacities with The Daily, The Free Press Journal, The Indian Express and other publications.

At the time of his death, he was the Mumbai bureau chief of Mathrubhoomi group of newspapers. He was also the editor of a portal dedicated to coverage of crime, Gunaah.com.

His body will be taken to his Mulund residence later this evening for the last rites.