The investigation into the shocking incident of a journalist being targeted in an attempt on his life due to a land dispute has taken a significant step forward. The Crime Branch in Bengaluru has made a significant breakthrough by apprehending 21-year-old sharpshooter Shreyas Mate.
DCP Smartana Patil recently addressed the media in a press conference, sharing crucial information about the case. Thirteen individuals, including seven minors, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Additionally, six others have been taken into custody. DCP Patil revealed that a contract was issued for carrying out the murder. With the arrest of Shreyas Mate, further details about the individual responsible for commissioning the crime and the amount involved in the contract are expected to be uncovered.
Earlier, the Swargate police had already arrested six individuals involved in the shooting of a journalist working for a local newspaper. Among those apprehended were seven minors.
The complainant, who does not personally own any land, has ancestral property in Dhayari. A dispute regarding this land has been ongoing. On the night of May 27, when the complainant was returning home from Maharshi Nagar, the accused, traveling on a two-wheeler, threw chilli powder into his eyes and issued death threats. The complainant promptly lodged a complaint. On June 11, while traveling home on a two-wheeler, the complainant was pursued by five individuals riding three two-wheelers, who proceeded to open fire. Fortunately, the complainant escaped unharmed by quickly taking cover. The Crime Branch initiated an investigation into the case following this alarming incident.
Previously, the Swargate police had arrested two individuals, Prathamesh alias Shambhu Dhananjay Tonde (20) from Dattawadi and Abhishek Shivaji Rokde (22) from Nanded Gaon. Subsequently, 13 individuals, including several minors, were apprehended. Based on the information obtained from these arrests, the police located and apprehended Shreyas Mate in Bengaluru. Mate is now facing charges of attempted murder, as registered at the Haveli police station.
The sequence of events leading to the attack on Rupesh Pasalkar, the journalist, unfolded when Shreyas Mate and two of his associates approached him while he was conversing with friends. They proceeded to assault him with a sickle in a deliberate attempt to end his life. The Haveli police promptly arrested Mate following the incident.
The arrest of Shreyas Mate by the Crime Branch marks a significant breakthrough in the journalist attack case. The authorities are now focused on gathering further evidence and establishing the full extent of the plot. The pursuit of justice continues, as the investigation strives to unveil the complete truth behind this heinous crime.
