By Somya Panwar
Gaja Marne, a notorious gangster has been arrested by the Kothrud police in connection with the assault against a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker, which took place on February 19, the birth anniversary of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Other accused involved in the attack are currently on run and police are on a lookout for them.
Amitesh Kumar, Pune police commissioner, issued a stern warning earlier on Monday, following which, the Kothrud police took swift action and arrested Marne. Om Dharminigyasu, Kiran Padwal and Anmol Tapkir are the other three names that have been registered in association with the case, while two of them are absconding. Marne, who is currently under police custody, will be interrogated and presented in the court on Tuesday.
Babya Pawar, the main accused, has also been arrested by the Kothrud police. Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has been invoked by the police against the three arrested accused in order to crack down the whole gang of Marne. Police commissioner Kumar has informed that there are 27 gang members in total and they are under police radar, he also mentioned that the police has a detailed record of all the criminals linked to the Marne gang.
The police have conducted raids at 74 locations across Pune and Mulshi, in the past three days to apprehend the members of the Marne gang including people who are absconding. MCOCA has issued a legal action against the members associated with the gang.
All the properties linked to the gang are under investigation; every information regarding the assets, financial transactions and vehicles is being recorded by the authorities from the regional Transport Office (RTO), inspector- general of stamps and the municipal corporation.
Nikhil Pingle (DCP), the deputy commissioner of police, crime branch, is leading the task force to track down the gang. The police have urged the people to come forward with any information they might have about the gang or their activities, the identity of the person who comes with any information will be kept confidential.