Pune: For the third time, Pune Police have invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against the notorious moneylender Nanasaheb Gaikwad and his gang.

This latest action follows the theft of critical files related to criminal complaints filed by Gaikwad’s daughter-in-law against him, his son Ganesh Gaikwad, and other family members.

The theft, which also involved the disappearance of ₹95,000 in cash, occurred on Sunday (August 18) at the Sayajirao Gaikwad Group office in Aundh.

The complainant, Suyog Suresh Deshmukh, a housekeeper at the office, reported the theft at the Chatuhshrungi Police Station.

According to police sources, the office where the theft occurred is currently under the control of Gaikwad's daughter-in-law, who had earlier lodged complaints of domestic harassment against her husband and in-laws.

Over the past decade, Nanasaheb Gaikwad, his son Ganesh, and their associates have been embroiled in multiple criminal cases, including attempted murder, robbery, death threats, fraud, and illegal possession of weapons.

Pune Police have been building a case against the gang, and the imposition of MCOCA charges for the third time marks a significant effort to clamp down on their criminal activities.

This is the first instance where three members of the same family have been simultaneously charged under MCOCA. The recent theft of evidence from the office is being investigated as a potential attempt to undermine the case against the Gaikwad family. Assistant Police Inspector Patil is leading the investigation.