Pune : In a significant move to curb organised crime, Police Commissioner Ritesh Kumar has initiated strict measures under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against various criminal gangs operating in the Aundh Road and Khadki areas. A total of 104 organised crime gangs have been booked under MCOCA, reflecting a determined effort by law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks in the city.
The recent crackdown has led to the booking of individuals involved in heinous activities, including gang chief Shubham Sham Kawale, also known as Manda (28, resident of Bopodi), Vicky Richard Nadan (29, resident of Bopodi), Anuj Waghmare, Mohit Sawant, Atik Garud, Rohan Thokle, and a minor. While Manda and Vicky Richard Nadan have been apprehended, the police are actively pursuing the other accused.
The trigger for these actions was an incident on November 13, 2023, when a plaintiff, accompanied by friends, visited a pigeon coop in the Padal Vasti area of Aundh Road, Khadki. A longstanding dispute escalated, leading to an assault on the plaintiff’s life. Subsequently, a case of attempted murder was registered at the Khadki police station.
Upon thorough investigation, the police discovered that Manda had orchestrated the formation of an organised crime gang. This gang was implicated in a series of illegal activities aimed at securing financial gains and other benefits for its members. Despite previous preventive measures, the gang continued to engage in serious criminal offences.
Senior Police Inspector Rajendra Sahane of Khadki Police Station submitted a proposal to Deputy Commissioner of Police Shashikant Borate, who, in turn, forwarded it to Upper Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma. After careful scrutiny, Police Commissioner Ritesh Kumar took decisive action under MCOCA against the Manda gang and detained them for anti-social activities.
