Vanraj Andekar, former NCP corporator was fatally shot in Pune's Nana Peth area on Sunday (September 1) night.
The assailants fired multiple rounds at Andekar and also attacked him with a sickle, leading to his death during treatment at a private hospital.
The incident occurred around 8:30 PM when Andekar was standing in the Doke Talim area. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Nikhil Pingale, the attack was premeditated, with the assailants taking advantage of a power outage in the area to execute their plan.
The police have identified three to four suspects and are actively searching for them.
Vanraj Andekar was standing in the Doke Talim area of Nana Peth around 8:30 PM on Sunday night when the assailants fired five to six bullets at him and also attacked him with a sickle.
He was rushed to a private hospital in a severely injured condition, but he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, as informed by DCP of the Crime Branch, Nikhil Pingale.
Before the shooting incident, the power supply in the Doke Talim area was interrupted. As soon as the incident was reported, officers from the Crime Branch rushed to the scene.
The Andekar gang has considerable influence in the Nana Peth area, leading to widespread panic when news of the attack spread. The police have stated that Vanraj Andekar was shot by a close associate due to a family dispute and a power struggle.
This violent act has caused panic in the central part of the city, especially as it comes just before the Ganesh festival. The police believe the attack stemmed from a personal dispute and a struggle for dominance, with indications that a close associate of Andekar may be responsible.
The Crime Branch is investigating the incident, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend those involved.
In July 2024, a member of the Andekar gang had reportedly attacked a young man with a sharp weapon in Mangalwar Peth. The injured individual was identified as Vaibhav Chandrakant Gangne (26, residing at Sumit Heights, 1278, Kasba Peth). Rishabh Devdutt Andekar (25, residing in Nana Peth) had been arrested in connection with the incident.