Dossier: Sharad Mohol: From Pune Gangster to Deputy Sarpanch
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, 17 April 2013
When gangster Sharad Mohol secured an uncontested election to the Mutha gram panchayat from his prison cell in December of the previous year, the villagers of Mutha found themselves uncertain about his true identity.
The only known fact was his affiliation with slain gangleader Sandeep Mohol, whose image graces the village’s entrance arch.
Emergence of Sharad Mohol
Sharad Mohol, already charged with a minimum of 10 serious offenses, gained notoriety by reportedly strangling suspected Indian Mujahideen operative Qateel Siddiqui using a pyjama drawstring.
This event occurred while both individuals were confined within Yerwada Central Prison’s high-security Anda Cell.
Village Panchayat’s Request
A mere three months after his election, the Mutha gram panchayat, with Sharad now appointed as deputy sarpanch, approached the sessions court.
The panchayat asserted that Sharad’s presence was essential for the expeditious execution of development projects.
Court’s Decision and Implications
However, this plea was dismissed by Additional Sessions Judge V G Joshi on Monday, asserting that the gravity of the crimes attributed to Sharad warranted a different approach.
The judge directed Sharad Mohol to approach the special MCOCA court, the designated venue for the ongoing proceedings related to his cases.
Unveiling the Village Dynamics
Conversations with undisclosed villagers reveal an underlying motive for the panchayat’s request.
It appears that village development decisions, particularly those involving land, were hesitant to be finalized without Sharad’s involvement.
The fear of potential repercussions upon his release from prison led to this perceived necessity.
Vital Roles and Responsibilities
The gram panchayat’s communication to the court highlighted the significance of Sharad’s presence in critical matters.
These matters included decisions regarding the annual administrative report, approvals for diverse developmental initiatives such as roads, water projects, and constructions, as well as restructuring the village’s taxation system and developmental endeavors.
A Tumultuous Past
Mutha village has a history rife with tumultuous gang conflicts and the involvement of gangster-politicians.
Sharad Mohol seems to model himself after Sandeep Mohol, who had aspirations of political entry before meeting his demise at the hands of a rival gang.
As the dynamics of crime, politics, and rural governance intertwine, Sharad Mohol’s unique position underscores the complexities of power and influence in local communities.
Sharad Mohol’s Gang: A Web of Intrigue
Tensions escalated in February this year when members of Sharad Mohol’s gang were discovered hatching a scheme in Daund to eliminate rival gangster Ganesh Marne within the confines of the court.
This discovery has left Sharad’s supporters in turmoil, fearing potential retaliation from Marne’s allies due to their roles as conduits and informants for Mohol.
Heightened Fear Amidst Police Scrutiny
What was once a concern limited to rival gangster threats has now expanded for Mohol’s loyal supporters.
They must now contend with the watchful eyes of the police, searching for incriminating evidence.
Evasive Measures in the Shadows
As a precaution against potential phone tapping by law enforcement, any legal assistance provided to Sharad Mohol is deliberately conducted without the use of cell phones.
Furthermore, personal visits to the imprisoned gangster have become off-limits, aimed at avoiding detection as a supporter of Mohol.
Mutha’s Panchayat: Striking a Balance
A member of the Mutha Gram Panchayat emphasized their stance, expressing hope for expedited development decisions if Mohol were to attend their meetings. Nevertheless, they maintain respect for the court’s decisions in this matter.
Another resident, closely related to Mohol, shared expectations of his potential release and participation in upcoming assembly elections. This would provide a platform for him to interact with the community.
Hero Status Amidst Aspirations
Sharad Mohol holds the status of a local hero for his involvement in the demise of Qateel Siddiqui. The village collectively desires his influence within the Gram Panchayat, albeit restricted due to the reserved nature of the sarpanch position.
Legal Maneuverings for Participation
Sharad’s Lawyer Tanaji Solankar, disclosed the attachment of a letter from the Mutha Gram Panchayat requesting permission for Sharad Mohol’s attendance at a meeting.
The meeting serves as a platform for key annual administrative decisions and taxation-related matters. While the immediate meeting was unreachable due to time constraints, efforts are underway to secure permission for his participation in the next assembly, scheduled within three months.
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