Pune Gangland: Two Policemen Suspended for Allegedly Aiding Gangster Gajanan Marne

By India Crime Correspondent

Pune, 20 December 2014

Two police officers associated with Crime Branch Unit-II in Pune have been suspended from duty over allegations of providing assistance to dreaded gangster Gajanan Marne.

Marne, who is currently on trial for the murder of a rival gang member, has been the focus of Unit-II’s investigations.

The officers’ suspension comes as a result of their purported interference with the ongoing investigation. However, the specific details of the assistance provided have not yet been revealed.

Unauthorized Assistance: Officers Help Marne Communicate from Custody

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Jayant Naiknawre confirmed the suspension of the two officers, Sudhir Ghotkule and Shivaji Jadhav, and disclosed that they had enabled Gajanan Marne, who is currently in police custody, to communicate with his associates over the phone.

The nature and extent of their involvement are currently under investigation.

Allegations of Shielding: Officers Accused of Aiding Gangster and His Associates

The police have presented “evidence” that indicates the alleged involvement of Sudhir Ghotkule and Shivaji Jadhav in shielding gangster Gajanan Marne and his accomplices.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar also verified their suspension, stating that the officers’ actions amounted to interference with the ongoing investigation.

Gang Clashes and Violent Confrontations: Context of the Investigation

The investigation takes place within the context of violent clashes between the Marne and Ghaiwal gangs.

A violent confrontation on November 29 resulted in the death of Amol Badhe, a member of the Ghaiwal gang.

The altercation occurred near the Vaikunth crematorium. Badhe was suspected of being involved in the murder of Sachin Kudle from the Marne gang back in 2010.

Pressure to Apprehend Gangster: High Stakes in Investigative Pursuit

With the state’s chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, granting the police the authority to take strong actions against gangsters, the pursuit of Gajanan Marne and his associates gained momentum.

The heightened focus on nabbing Marne led to increased scrutiny of the investigative team.

Some members of the team were suspected to be in contact with Marne, which prompted the suspension of officers allegedly aiding the gangster.

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