Pune Gangland: Gajanan Marne and Aides Booked for Eway Procession After Release
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, 17 February 2021
Following the release of notorious gangster Gajanan Marne, also known as Gaja Pandharinath Marne or Maharaj (46), from Taloja Jail, his associates orchestrated a procession on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, which saw over 500 cars and numerous supporters participating. The procession, celebrating Marne’s acquittal and release, was accompanied by fireworks and drone cameras capturing the event. Despite this, initial police response was absent until the drone video went viral on social media, leading to the Pune police filing FIRs against Marne and his associates.
Gangsters’ Release Sparks Concern
The release of Gajanan Marne, along with several other gangsters from Pune, poses a significant challenge for the local police. A total of seven gangsters, including Gajanan Marne, Sachin Pote, Nilesh Gaiwal, Sharad Mohol, and Ganesh Marne, have been released from jail, raising fears of escalated gang conflicts. These gang members are utilizing social media to promote their groups, sharing objectionable content and issuing threats to rival gangs. Nilesh Baswant, a known criminal associated with gangster Bapu Nair, was recently observed without masks in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) building alongside his supporters. Sachin Pote, another criminal involved in the Sandip Mohol case, faced new charges related to online cricket betting and extortion.
Underworld Links and Concerns
All seven gangs, including Gajanan Marne’s, were previously booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and were linked to real estate dealings. The resurgence of these gang members in the city has raised concerns of potential gang wars. There are also allegations of political party connections with some of these gang leaders, many of whom are believed to have ties to the Mumbai underworld.
Police Response and Legal Defense
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP-crime branch) Surendra Deshmukh acknowledged the existence of these criminal outfits and stated that police are actively taking measures against them.
ACP-crime branch) Surendra Deshmukh highlighted that history-sheeters are regularly detained and actions are taken to maintain law and order. Marne has been booked for his involvement in the unauthorized procession.
Marne’s Lawyer advocate Vijay Thombare, responded to the charges, stating that Marne was unaware of the crowd outside the jail and had no knowledge of the drone shooting.
Thombare asserted that filing a case against his client was an attempt to falsely implicate him and return him to jail.
Acquittal and Subsequent Chaos
Marne’s acquittal by a special sessions court (MCOCA) in a murder case involving rival gang members, Papu Gawade and Amol Badhe, led to exuberant celebrations by supporters.
The crowd created a commotion along the way, chanting slogans and capturing the event on their mobile phones. Subsequently, the drone footage, accompanied by Bollywood music, was circulated online.
The initial lack of police action regarding traffic violations and COVID-19 norms prompted later legal actions.
FIRs Filed
On Tuesday, Talegaon Dabhade and Hinjawadi police filed FIRs against Marne under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, Bombay Police Act, and Criminal Law Amendment Act.
Charges include disobedience to public servant orders, unlawful assembly participation, and obstruction in public spaces.
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