Pune Gangland: Arrest of Two Gangsters for Alleged Extortion Attempt
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, November 14, 2011
- Extortion Attempt Thwarted
- Crime Branch Operation Leads to Apprehension of Suspects Demanding Rs 25 Lakh
- Suspects Posed as Gangster Sharad Mohol, Demanded Cash from Pathologist
- Swift Police Action Prevents Extortion
- Anti-Extortion Cell Nabs Duo Near Yerawada Central Prison
In a swift operation, the crime branch of Pune managed to apprehend two individuals who were allegedly attempting to extort Rs 25 lakh from a prominent pathologist in the city.
The suspects, posing as gangster Sharad Mohol, had instructed the pathologist to have the cash ready by 8 pm on a specified Friday.
The anti-extortion cell, led by Inspector Sachin Sawant, managed to arrest the duo near Yerawada Central Prison on Saturday while they were visiting an inmate.
Suspects’ Identification and Custody
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sanjay Govind Warghade (21) from Karvenagar and Prasad Bhikaji Wagh (27) from Dandekar bridge.
Following their arrest, they have been remanded in police custody for a duration of two days, as reported by Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Anant Shinde during a press conference.
Extortion Scheme Unveiled
The pathologist in question had received a phone call on November 10 from someone claiming to be Sharad Mohol, who demanded Rs 25 lakh and instructed the pathologist to arrange the sum by the following Friday.
The caller warned of dire consequences, mentioning the recent kidnapping case involving Dasve sarpanch Shankar Dhindle. The pathologist was threatened with abduction if he failed to comply.
Police Intervention and Investigation
Inspector Sawant shared that on November 11, the suspects contacted the pathologist again, this time indicating flexibility in the amount demanded.
The pathologist, unwilling to arrange the sum in a short time, eventually reported the matter to the police.
The anti-extortion cell set up traps across the city on the specified Friday but did not receive a call from the suspects.
Police Operation Leads to Arrest
Acting on a tip-off, the police laid a trap near Yerawada prison on Saturday, where they successfully apprehended both Warghade and Wagh.
The suspects had intended to call the pathologist after meeting their relatives who were incarcerated in the same prison for a murder case.
The arrest was made before the suspects could contact the pathologist.
Investigation to Determine Connection with Mohol
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Bansode mentioned that the police are verifying whether the arrested duo has any connection to Sharad Mohol.
Warghade, with two cases of bodily offenses registered against him, hails from Paud police station in Pune rural. He is employed as a wireman, while Wagh serves as a supervisor at a fertilizer company.
Reward for Successful Operation
Recognizing the successful operation, Commissioner of Police Meeran Chadha Borwankar has declared a reward of Rs 25,000 for the members of the anti-extortion cell.
The team that executed the operation included police constables Mahadev Dimble, Baba Shirke, Anil Shinde, Pandurang Wanjale, Ganesh Mali, Balasaheb Jarad, and Vilas Gujar.
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