Pune Gangland: MCOCA Imposed on Gang Responsible for Terrorizing Market Yard Area, Pune
By India Crime Correspondent
Pune, 17th January 2023
A total of 12 individuals, led by gang leader Avinash Gupta, have been subjected to legal action under the formidable Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
This move comes in response to their reign of terror and robberies targeting residents of the Market Yard area.
A recent incident saw the gang rob citizens at gunpoint, making away with a substantial sum of Rs 28 lakh in cash.
Robbery and Terror Unleashed: Gang Leader and Accomplices Booked
Gang leader Avinash Rampratap Gupta (20) from Shivane, along with his associates Aditya Ashok Marne (28) from Warje Malwadi, Ajay Bapu Divate (23) from Ramnagar in Warje, Nilesh Balu Gothe (20) and Vishal Satish Kasbe from Mangalwar Peth, Deepak Omprakash Sharma (19) from Rahulnagar in Shivne, Gurujan Singh Seva Singh Virag (22) from Patil Estate slum in Shivajinagar, and Santosh Balu Pawar (23) and Sai Rajendra Kumbhar (19) from Khanapur, have been identified as the prime suspects.
These individuals have now been subjected to the strict provisions of MCOCA due to their involvement in a series of serious crimes.
Police Commissioner’s Directive: Crackdown on Organized Gangs
In response to the escalating activities of organized criminal gangs, Police Commissioner Retesh Kumaarr has issued stringent directives.
Within a mere month of assuming office, he has directed the initiation of MCOCA proceedings against a total of five such gangs.
This proactive stance is aimed at curbing criminal activities and ensuring public safety.
Gang’s Crime Spree: Robbery of Cash and Valuables
The gang, led by Avinash Gupta, executed a robbery involving Rs 28 lakh in cash along with mobile phones at an Angadiya (private courier service) office on the 12th of November in the previous year.
Their criminal history includes a range of serious offenses, such as attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of dangerous weapons, arson, and multiple cases of robbery.
Swift Police Action: Proposing MCOCA Charges
Senior Police Inspector Angha Deshpande, responsible for the Market Yard police station, presented a comprehensive proposal to initiate MCOCA action against the gang.
This proposal was submitted to Additional Commissioner of Police (East region) Ranjan Kumar Sharma on behalf of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Vikrant Deshmukh.
Following due scrutiny, the authorization for MCOCA charges was granted, resulting in the detention of the gang members for a minimum of six months, pending the filing of formal charges.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Pournima Taware is currently leading the ongoing investigation into the case.
The investigation team includes Senior Police Inspector Angha Deshpande, Police Inspector (Crime) Savita Dhamdhere, API Ramdas Mundhe, Sub Inspectors Chetan Bhosale and Virendra Dhawan, as well as Amarnath Lonkar.
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