Pune: In a major development in the murder case of former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) corporator Vanraj Andekar, two eyewitnesses have come forward and identified the accused involved in the crime.
The Pune police informed the court that an identification parade will soon be held in front of the witnesses. As the investigation intensifies, the special court has extended the police custody of 15 accused until September 30, 2024. The decision was issued by MCOCA Judge V. R. Kachare.
The murder, which is believed to have been the result of ongoing gang rivalry, has so far led to the arrest of 20 individuals. Police suspect that other gangs, apart from the one led by Somnath Gaikwad, may have played a role in the crime.
During their investigation, it was discovered that the accused had procured machetes and pistols from Madhya Pradesh, and even conducted shooting practice before carrying out the murder.
After committing the crime, the 15 accused fled the scene and went into hiding. Investigators are now probing who may have provided them shelter and financial support during their time on the run.
Special public prosecutor Vilas Pathare requested an extension of the police custody, arguing that more time is needed to unravel the entire conspiracy and gather evidence. The court accepted this request.
The accused whose police custody has been extended are:
Aniket Dnyaneshwar Dudhbhate (31), Tushar Ankush Kadam (30), Deepak Kisan Toramkar (29), Akash Bapu Mhaske (24), Vivek Pralhad Kadam (25), Umesh Nandu Kirve (26), Om Dhananjay Deshkhair (20), Sahil Baban Kendale (20, resident of Dattanagar),
Ajinkya Gajendra Survase (19), Sangam Sampat Waghmare (20), Tatyasaheb Gaikwad (18, residents of Ambegaon Pathar), Sameer Kisan Kale (26, resident of Yewalewadi), Sagar Rajendra Pawar (32, resident of Narhe), Sahil alias Takya Nilesh Dalvi (19, resident of Dhankawadi), and Prasad Pandurang Belhekar (33, resident of Nana Peth).
Vanraj Andekar's sister, Sanjeevani Jayant Komkar, her husband Jayant Laxman Komkar, Ganesh Laxman Komkar, Prakash Laxman Komkar, and the gang leader Somnath alias Somya Sayaji Gaikwad are currently in judicial custody.
