Pune Police Crime Branch interrogated notorious gangster Gajanan Pandharinath alias Gaja Marne on Saturday (September 14). The police took this step following the circulation of fear-inducing video clips on social media and the recent surge in violent incidents.
The interrogation was aimed at addressing the growing public concerns over lawlessness and ensuring that Marne understands the gravity of his involvement, both directly or indirectly, in any criminal activity.
On September 1, the city was gripped by terror when former municipal corporator Vanraj Andekar was brutally murdered in Nana Peth. The attack, involving a machete and gunfire, shocked the city, leading to widespread fear. To date, the police have apprehended 21 individuals linked to this crime.
The fear further escalated as videos of Marne and fellow gangster Nilesh Ghaywal began circulating on social media, sparking concerns over the increasing brazenness of criminal elements.
In response, senior officers of the Crime Branch summoned Marne for questioning at the Police Commissioner’s office. During the interrogation, the police issued a strict warning, making it clear that any involvement in serious crimes, whether active or passive, would result in severe consequences. According to sources, Marne was warned in strong language to refrain from participating in any illegal activities.
Marne, a notorious figure in the city's underworld, has a history of involvement in heinous crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and extortion.
After being released on bail in a murder case, Marne and his associates shocked the public by organizing a massive rally of 300 to 400 vehicles from Taloja Jail in Mumbai to Kothrud. The rally was seen as a show of strength and further heightened the sense of fear in the city.
The police have since registered multiple cases against Marne in various police stations, including Kothrud, Khalapur, and Shirgaon. Additionally, last year, after his release from jail, Marne was embroiled in an extortion case where he and his associates allegedly demanded ₹20 crore from a businessman. Though he was arrested, he was later released on a personal bond of ₹25,000.