Pune Gangland: MCOCA Invoked Against Feroz Bangali Gang for Land Grabbing and Serious Crimes
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, May 22, 2009
The Pune police have taken action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the notorious Feroz Bangali gang.
This gang is alleged to be involved in a series of land grabbing cases and other grave criminal activities within the city.
Extensive Criminal Record:
Feroz Bangali (43), a real estate agent hailing from Mitha Nagar, Kondhwa, has amassed a criminal record comprising 31 property and bodily offense cases, including murder and attempted murder, since 1985. Although he had previously faced MCOCA charges in 2000, he was later acquitted.
New Involvement and Accomplices:
Inspector M K Thosar from Kondhwa police station initiated legal proceedings against Bangali and his five associates under the MCOCA after uncovering their involvement in six land grabbing incidents that transpired in 2009.
The accomplices include Akram Isak Shaikh (40), a construction businessman; Yunus Abraham Shaikh (28), a painting contractor; Imtiyaz Salim Shaikh (24), an autorickshaw driver; Farid Khalil Shaikh (29) and Mohsin Mohammed Sharif Shaikh (24), both drivers for Bangali. All of them reside in Kondhwa.
History of Offenses and Land Seizures:
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV) Jalinder Supekar revealed that all the accused possess a history of criminal activities. “The Bangali gang forcibly occupied apartments and shops in Manisha Complex at Kondhwa in 2006. A complaint was filed against Bangali by builder Rajendra Shitole in January 2009.”
Victims’ Fear and Recent Action:
Stringent action was not previously taken against the gang due to victims refraining from filing complaints, apprehensive of the repercussions from Bangali and his associates.
“Recent arrests were made possible only after victims stepped forward with complaints,” Supekar affirmed. He also disclosed that assets worth Rs 4 crore belonging to the gang members have been seized.
Legal Status and Further Investigation:
Presently, Bangali is incarcerated in Yerwada Jail. “We intend to take him into custody for further investigation. The remaining accomplices are under Kondhwa police’s custody,” stated Supekar.
Multiple Cases and Accusations:
Bangali is facing charges at various police stations, including Samarth, Cantonment, Deccan Gymkhana, Khadak, Wanavdi, and Kondhwa. Notably, in March 2009, Bangali’s wife Yasmin (35) was apprehended by Kondhwa police for her alleged significant role in the coercive acquisition of flats in Manisha Complex.
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