Pune Gangland: Conviction after Fifteen Years: Life Sentence for Pune Gangster Sachin Pote in Sandip Mohol Murder Case
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, 23 July 2021
After a prolonged legal battle spanning fifteen years since the murder of notorious gangster and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sandip Mohol, a significant development unfolded as the Special Sessions court pronounced life imprisonment for three accused, including gangster Sachin Pote. This verdict marks a significant milestone in a case that has gripped the city’s underworld and political landscape.
Partial Acquittal and Inadequate Evidence
While delivering the verdict, the special sessions court acquitted 15 individuals who had been charged with the murder.
The court notably criticized the investigating agency for its shortcomings in collecting and presenting evidence in a robust manner, leading to the acquittals.
The court’s decision underscored the need for a thorough and substantiated case presentation.
Charges and Convictions
The court found three accused, namely Sachin Pote (40), a resident of Sadashiv Peth, Santosh Lande (45), residing in Khilarewadi, and Jameer Shaikh (42) from Kothrud, guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These sections include 302 (murder), 143 (membership of an unlawful assembly), 147 (punishment for rioting), 148 (rioting armed with a deadly weapon), and 427 (mischief causing damage).
However, the trio was acquitted from the charges of criminal conspiracy under section 120-b and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Complex Rivalries and Violent Clash
The case revolves around the murder of Sandip Mohol, a prominent NCP leader who also had connections with organized crime.
The incident occurred on October 4, 2006, when Mohol was shot dead at the Paud Phata flyover.
The murder was believed to be driven by power struggles and rivalry between Mohol and gang leader Ganesh Marne, both involved in organized crime syndicates.
Details of the Attack
The prosecution presented evidence that Pote fired shots at the vehicle in which Mohol was seated.
The attack involved a violent assault on the vehicle using sickles, choppers, and other sharp weapons by the accused, including Marne. Pote’s gunfire contributed to Mohol’s tragic demise.
Judicial Observations and Critique of Investigation
In delivering the verdict, the special sessions judge AN Sirsikar noted the premeditated nature of the attack, emphasizing that assailants carried out the attack with deadly weapons during a brief stop at a signal.
The judge expressed concern over the quality of the investigation, highlighting issues such as delayed recording of witness statements, lack of proper evidence collection procedures, and gaps in electronic evidence presentation.
Preventive Measures Amidst Tensions
The verdict coincided with heightened tensions in the criminal underworld, particularly due to the release of another notorious gangster, Gajanan Marne, from Taloja prison.
To ensure public safety, Pune police took preventive measures by issuing notices to both the Mohol and Marne factions under section 149 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC).
This marked a significant step by the police to maintain law and order amid potentially volatile situations.
As the legal landscape evolves and complex criminal dynamics continue to shape Pune’s narrative, the recent verdict sheds light on the intricate webs of power and rivalry that often extend beyond the realm of legality.
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