Pune Gangland: Sachin Kudle Fatally Shot, Brother Atul alias Pappu Kudle Injured in Violent Gang Clash

By India Crime Correspondent

PUNE, 10 May, 2010

The city witnessed another outbreak of gang violence on Sunday, as notorious gangster Nilesh Ghaiwal and his associates targeted Sachin Kudle (30) and wounded his younger brother Atul alias Pappu Kudle (24), both affiliated with the rival Gajanan Marne gang. The incident occurred around 12.30 am near the Dattawadi police chowki.

Swift Exchange of Fire:

The intense clash extended for approximately 30 minutes, with Ghaiwal’s gang firing six rounds before making their escape on motorcycles.

Senior police inspector Dilip Chougule revealed that Pappu was the prime focus of the attack; however, he managed to escape with a gunshot wound to his hand.

History of Rivalry:

The incident stems from Pappu’s previous attack on Ghaiwal near Cummins Company in Kothrud on June 13, 2009, during which he struck Ghaiwal with a knife.

Despite the injury, Ghaiwal survived and reportedly harbored intentions of retaliating against Pappu.

Both Pappu and Marne were subsequently arrested and imprisoned in connection with the case, with Pappu’s release on bail occurring two months ago.

Targeted Attack:

According to police sources, the Kudle brothers, residing in Dattawadi, had visited the Dattawadi police station late on Saturday night to meet a 17-year-old gang member detained in connection with a rioting case.

Upon leaving the station, they were pursued by a group of around eight individuals, including Ghaiwal, on four motorcycles.

The assailants opened fire, striking Sachin as he rode his motorcycle. Sachin succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while pillion rider Balaji Kadam sustained injuries.

Chase and Attempted Capture:

The gang continued to pursue a van driven by Pappu, which was carrying approximately six individuals.

Pappu brought the van to a halt near the Dattawadi police chowki, but not before being shot in the arm. An attempt was also made to strike him with a sharp object, but it missed its mark.

Officer’s Response:

Assistant police inspector BR Naikwadi of Dattawadi police station, the sole officer present at the chowki during the incident, had just concluded his duty and was en-route home when he received word of the firing. He promptly informed his superiors but was unable to apprehend the fleeing gang members.

Pappu lodged a police complaint against Ghaiwal, Gawade, and their associates for murder. The authorities have sent Sachin’s body to Sassoon Hospital for a postmortem examination.

Both the Dattawadi police and crime branch units are actively pursuing leads to identify the suspects.

Background of Conflict:

Formerly an associate of Marne, Ghaiwal established his own gang following a dispute with Marne. The rivalry between the two factions has persisted, marked by ongoing battles for supremacy.

Police records indicate that Pappu was involved in nine attempted murder and rioting cases. Sachin himself had a prior case of attempted murder filed against him at Swargate.

Timeline of Pune Gang Violence:

May 13, 2009: Marne gang attacked Nilesh Ghaiwal’s friend Sameer Patil on Paud Road.

June 13, 2009: Marne gang made an assassination attempt on Ghaiwal in Kothrud.

March 29, 2010: In Shastri Nagar, Ghaiwal opened fire on Sumit Naik (20), a Marne associate.

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