Pune Gangland: MCOCA Activated: Mathadi Gang’s Extortion Endeavors at Phoenix Mall Thwarted
By India Crime Correspondent
Pune, Viman Nagar, 14th February 2023
In a decisive move, the Pune police have wielded the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against a formidable gang that had been relentlessly harassing traders within Viman Nagar’s Phoenix Mall. The gang’s tactics involved coercing traders into paying them money in exchange for permitting the unloading of goods trucks.
The offenders were previously implicated in an extortion case and subsequently subjected to a First Information Report (FIR) at Vimantal police station. Among those charged are Ravindra Jayaprakash Sasane (49), hailing from Khulewadi in Vimannagar and identified as the gang leader, along with his accomplices Mangal Ramesh Satpute (40) from Dhanori and Deepak Sampat Gaikwad (40) from Khadki in Yerwada.
Organized Extortion: Gang’s Persistent Threats
The accused orchestrated a calculated endeavor to extract monetary gains from traders, formalizing themselves as an organized gang.
Despite prior interventions aimed at curbing their activities, the gang exhibited an unyielding stance, refusing to abandon their illicit pursuits. Consequently, their defiance has led to their inclusion under the MCOCA’s purview, a measure that will heighten the difficulty of securing bail for a minimum period of six months.
MCOCA’s Constricting Grasp: A Powerful Weapon
Delineated as a potent legal tool, the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) empowers authorities to target and dismantle organized criminal networks.
The legislation encompasses stringent penalties for individuals implicated in such activities. Acting under the guidance of Additional Commissioner of Police (East Region) Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Shashikant Borate, and ACP Kishore Jadhav, the action against the Mathadi gang signifies a concerted effort to stifle their criminal operations.
The cohesive team assembled for this task comprises Senior Police Inspector Vilas Sonde, Police Inspector (Crime) Mangesh Jagtap, PSI SS Kollure, as well as Umesh Dhende, Sachin Jadhav, Chandan Todekar, Vaghule, and Bhor.
Commissioner Kumaarr’s Assault on Crime
Under the dynamic leadership of Commissioner Retesh Kumaarr, the Pune City Police have intensified their drive against criminal elements.
This move stands as the 13th instance of invoking MCOCA during his tenure. The commissioner’s relentless pursuit of justice and security is manifest in this formidable action taken against the Mathadi gang.
………………………..
