Pune: The murder of Vanraj Andekar, a prominent figure known for his involvement in politics and his distance from criminal activities, is believed to be the result of escalating gang rivalry in Pune.

Somnath Gaikwad, a known rival of the Andekar gang, has been identified as a key suspect in the case. The police are investigating whether Gaikwad orchestrated the murder of Vanraj as part of a strategic move to weaken the Andekar gang, which holds considerable influence in the city’s underworld.

Gaikwad, who was released on bail from prison in April, had been in conflict with the Andekar gang for some time. Fearing that the Andekar gang might eventually target him, Gaikwad allegedly planned to eliminate Vanraj, whom he perceived as the backbone of the gang. Police reports suggest that Gaikwad had been plotting the murder for the past one and a half to two months.

The motive behind the murder is suspected to be a mix of personal enmity, family disputes, and gang rivalry. According to a complaint filed by Vanraj’s father, family discord may have played a role in the killing, although police are also exploring the angle of gang dominance.

Gaikwad, who leads his own gang and was recently released on bail under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA), was allegedly preparing to strike first against the Andekar gang to protect himself and his associates.

Police have taken Gaikwad into custody for questioning, and preliminary interrogations indicate that Gaikwad was deeply affected by the murder of his close associate, Nikhil Akhade, in October 2023.

Akhade’s murder, for which the Andekar gang was accused, had triggered a cycle of revenge, with Gaikwad determined to retaliate. Akhade’s death and the subsequent threats from the Andekar gang further fueled Gaikwad’s resolve to weaken the rival gang.

Alongside Aniket Dudhbate, another associate who was severely injured in the October attack, Gaikwad began planning the murder of Vanraj, whom he viewed as a critical figure within the Andekar gang.

During his time with the Andekar gang, Gaikwad had gained insights into its operations, including the pivotal role Vanraj played in securing bail for gang members and coordinating their legal matters. Gaikwad believed that targeting Vanraj would destabilize the Andekar gang more effectively than eliminating other members.

On the night of the murder, Somnath was in the Ambegaon Pathar area, and upon receiving news of Vanraj's death at the hands of his associates, he fled the city.

A Crime Branch team later apprehended him in Tembhurni, and during interrogation, Gaikwad admitted to having knowledge of the plan to kill Vanraj, though he denies direct involvement.