Pune Gangland: Fugitive Amol Chavan Arrested by Kothrud Police in Extortion Case
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, 20 August 2020
The Kothrud police successfully apprehended Amol Chavan, a fugitive evading law enforcement for 42 days, in connection with alleged cheating and extortion charges. The charges had been filed by Sudhir Karnataki, a property developer based in Pune. Chavan, who was on the run, was finally located within the city’s confines following a tip-off received by the police. The arrest came subsequent to the rejection of the anticipatory bail plea presented by Chavan and Right to Information (RTI) activist Ravindra Barhate in Bombay High Court. The duo had been facing allegations of fraud and blackmail.
Involvement in Criminal Activities
Amol Chavan’s arrest casts a spotlight on his extensive involvement in criminal activities. A known figure within criminal circles, he is said to have multiple cases against him, including an attempted murder charge.
Known to be an associate of the infamous gangster Gajanan Marne from Pune, Chavan’s criminal portfolio further encompasses activities as a cricket bookie with an active participation in betting, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
Allegations of Extortion and Black Magic
Chavan, marked as a co-accused in a land grabbing case, stands accused of playing a significant role in threatening Sudhir Karnataki with dire consequences if he failed to comply with an extortion demand amounting to Rs 2 crore.
The case also reveals a black magic angle. Law enforcement authorities have outlined Chavan’s involvement in this intricate web of allegations.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Senior police inspector Pratibha Joshi, attached to the Kothrud police station, affirmed the arrest, stating that Chavan had been tracked down within the city following an actionable tip-off.
Chavan is scheduled to be presented before the court on Thursday as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Accusations and Charges Unveiled
Earlier this month, Kothrud police charged eight individuals, including Amol Chavan and RTI activist Ravindra Barhate, based on a complaint lodged by Sudhir Karnataki. The chargesheet encompassed allegations of extortion and cheating.
Of the accused, Chavan and Barhate were absconding following the registration of the offense on July 7.
Their attempts to secure anticipatory bail were denied by both Pune sessions court and Bombay High Court.
The complex case involves intricate layers, with a woman who had leveled rape allegations against Karnataki in January 2020, subsequently filing a complaint with Hinjawadi police.
Karnataki refuted the accusations, asserting that the woman demanded substantial sums from him under threat, claiming backing from others and even hinting at the possibility of levying false rape charges.
The woman maintained connections with accused individuals such as Barhate, Jagtap, and Jain.
As the legal process unfolds, the arrest of Chavan and the complexities of the case continue to highlight the intricate intersections of criminal activity, accusations, and legal proceedings within Pune’s domain.
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