Pune Gangland: Gangster Kishor Marne Granted Bail in Sandeep Mohol Murder Case

By India Crime Correspondent

Pune, 19 December 2013

• High Court Frees Gangster Kishor Marne in Connection to Sandeep Mohol’s Murder
• Bombay High Court Cites Delayed Trial and Constitutional Rights

In a surprising turn of events, the Bombay High Court (HC) has released notorious gangster Ganesh Nivrutti Marne (39) on bail.

Marne had been incarcerated as an undertrial for seven years on charges related to the murder of Sandeep Mohol, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and sarpanch of Mutha village.

Unprecedented Bail Decision in Mohol Murder Case

The HC’s decision to grant bail to Marne aligns with the principles enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India, safeguarding the right to life and personal liberty.

The prolonged trial, hindered by the absence of a special court judge and lackluster investigation efforts, factored into the court’s verdict.

Marne’s Legal Standing and Incarceration Details

Ganesh Nivrutti Marne, charged under various legal provisions including Section 3 of the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, faced allegations of murder, attempt to murder, and criminal conspiracy.

These charges were registered against him at Kothrud police station. Marne had been confined to Yerwada Central Prison since October 25, 2006.

HC Criticizes Legal Delays and Investigative Shortcomings

The High Court reprimanded both the prosecutor and the police for the lackadaisical handling of the case by the crime branch.

It highlighted the delayed trial, despite specific orders to expedite proceedings, and noted the trial’s pending status since 2007.

The court identified misrepresentation of trial status by the lower court and criticized the trial’s non-execution.

Late Addition of Murder Charges in the Trial

During the trial’s final stages, on March 2, the prosecution realized that Marne was being tried for criminal conspiracy rather than murder, despite strong evidence indicating his involvement. Witnesses had testified to Marne’s presence during Mohol’s murder.

Consequently, murder charges were added to the trial later on.

Defense Lawyer’s Perspective and Post-Bail Proceedings

Defence lawyer Debajyoti Talukdar shared, “The HC has granted bail to my client and disposed of the case. However, it has given two weeks’ time at the request of prosecution, before the bail order will be executed. My client has been detained for a long time, although other hardened criminals with similar charges against them are out on bail.”

Recollection of Mohol’s Murder

Sandeep Mohol was tragically killed in his car near the Kothrud police station on October 14, 2006. The case drew attention due to its links to the notorious Marne gang, known for their activities in Kothrud, Karvenagar, and Mulshi since 2003.

The gang had been associated with a range of criminal activities, including murder, extortion, and robbery.

Intra-gang Conflict and Retaliation

The Marne gang’s history further intensified with an intragang conflict. Gang member Kishor Marne met his end in a shootout allegedly orchestrated by the Baba Bodke gang.

This act of revenge, seen as retaliation for Mohol’s murder, took place in January 2010.

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