Pune: The murder of former NCP corporator Vanraj Andekar, who was brutally killed on September 1 in a coordinated attack involving both gunfire and machetes, has led to the arrest of 19 individuals, all now facing charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).
The Pune police have also taken three minors into custody in connection with the case.
The investigation revealed that the murder stemmed from ongoing family disputes and power struggles. Andekar’s sister, Sanjeevani, and her husband Jayant Komkar allegedly orchestrated the murder with the help of the notorious Somnath Gaikwad gang.
Andekar was targeted in a violent attack after previous threats were made by his sister, following a dispute involving both family and local influence.
On September 1, Vanraj Andekar was shot and attacked with machetes, leading to his death. His father, Suryakant alias Bandu Andekar, filed a complaint with the police, prompting an extensive investigation.
The police have since arrested the key suspects, including Sanjivani Jayant Komkar, Jayant Laxman Komkar, and other individuals linked to the crime.
Police units apprehended 13 suspects from the Raigad district, while further investigations led to the capture of Akash Mhaske, from whom two pistols and 10 live cartridges were recovered.
The involvement of organized crime in the murder was confirmed through investigations, and Inspector Shabbir Syed of Unit One submitted a proposal for invoking MCOCA, which was approved by Additional Commissioner of Crime Branch Shailesh Balkawade.
This charge brings more severe legal consequences for those involved, as MCOCA is specifically used to counter organized crime activities.
The background to the crime revolves around a prior conflict between Sanjeevani and her accomplice Jayant with another local resident, Akash Pardeshi.
This dispute escalated into violence when Sanjeevani and Jayant attacked Pardeshi at the police station, leading Vanraj Andekar to intervene.
The altercation left Sanjeevani enraged, and she later conspired with the Gaikwad gang to murder Vanraj. Following the fatal attack, police carried out a swift investigation that led to the arrests and the application of MCOCA, ensuring a high-profile prosecution of all involved.