Pune: In a chilling revelation, police investigations have unveiled a meticulously planned conspiracy involving the murder of former NCP corporator Vanraj Andekar, orchestrated by notorious gangster Somnath Gaikwad and his associates.
The criminal gang procured nine pistols from Madhya Pradesh nearly six weeks before executing the murder.
According to police reports, Gaikwad's four associates traveled by car from Pune to Madhya Pradesh to buy the firearms.
The gang spent an estimated ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 on these weapons. This purchase was part of a larger plot to settle personal scores rooted in a longstanding feud.
The police have arrested Abhishek alias Abba Narayan Khond (24), who is believed to have supplied the pistols. Khond, a resident of Laxmigarden Society in Shivane, was apprehended by the crime branch just four days ago.
The arrest adds to the growing list of individuals detained in connection with this brutal crime. To date, 21 accused, including Khond, have been arrested, while two minors have also been taken into custody.
Vanraj Andekar was killed on the night of September 1 at approximately 8:30 PM, in the Doke Talim Chowk area of Nana Peth. Andekar was shot at point-blank range, followed by multiple stabbing wounds.
The murder, according to investigators, stems from both a power struggle and a personal family dispute.
The prime conspirators include Andekar’s sister Sanjeevani Komkar, her husband Jayant, Prakash, Ganesh, and gangster Somnath Gaikwad, along with an associate named Aniket Dudhbhate.
A key motive for the murder appears to be revenge. Last year, Gaikwad’s friend Nikhil Akhade was allegedly killed by Andekar’s gang. Ever since, Gaikwad had been seeking an opportunity to avenge his friend’s death.
The growing tension between Andekar and his sister Sanjeevani further escalated the situation, ultimately leading to the conspiracy.
The plot to kill Andekar unfolded with precision. Gaikwad, with the assistance of the Komkar family, carefully orchestrated every detail.
The task of acquiring the pistols was handed to Gaikwad's close associates—Sameer Kale, Abhishek Khond, Akash Mhaske, and Sangam Waghmare. These four individuals made the trip to Madhya Pradesh via Dhule to secure the firearms.
Afterward, Gaikwad and the conspirators closely monitored Andekar’s movements, waiting for the perfect opportunity to carry out the murder.