Pune Gangland: MCOCA Invoked Against Gaja Marne Gang Following Kidnapping Incident
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, 13 October, 2022
- Police Resort to Stringent Measures Amidst Kidnapping Case
- Gaja Marne Gang Faces MCOCA Charges
- Pune City Police Utilizes Legal Measures After Kidnapping
- Intricate Kidnapping Scheme Unveiled
- Initial Investigation Unveils Details of the Abduction
The Pune City Police have adopted a stern stance by invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the infamous Gaja Marne gang.
This decision follows the unraveling of the alleged involvement of gang members in the high-profile case concerning the kidnapping of a market trader and his companion. The victims were allegedly targeted with the intent to extort a ransom of Rs 20 crore.
Legal Framework of MCOCA Provides Stricter Action
The case’s investigation, conducted by the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Pune City Police, prompted Senior Inspector Balaji Pandhare to initiate the proposal for invoking MCOCA against the Gajanan alias Gaja Marne alias Maharaj gang.
This proposal was formally submitted through the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shrinivas Ghadge and gained approval from Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ramnath Pokale.
This occurrence marks the 39th instance of MCOCA application by Pune City Police within this year and the 102nd during the tenure of Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta.
Comprehensive Reach of MCOCA Legislation
Pertinent authorities have highlighted that MCOCA, a state-specific legislation for tackling organized crime, empowers the police to undertake stringent measures against criminal syndicates that fulfill specific criteria.
This legal provision facilitates the heightened enforcement of actions against crime organizations involved in a range of offenses, encompassing activities like kidnapping, extortion, murder, attempt to murder, narcotics trade, human trafficking, and even online loan sharking.
Kidnapping Operation Unfolds
In the recent abduction case, which transpired on October 7, two teams from the Pune City Crime Branch intervened. The case involved the kidnapping of a 34-year-old market trader and his 30-year-old friend and business associate within the Katraj area.
Preliminary investigations unveiled a meticulously orchestrated scheme by the culprits, as they transported the victims through the night using multiple vehicles along the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway in Pune.
Anti-Extortion Cell and Crime Branch Unite for Rescue Operation
The kidnappers demanded a substantial ransom amounting to Rs 20 crore for the release of the abducted individuals.
In a swift and coordinated effort, the Anti-Extortion Cell and Unit 5 of the Crime Branch launched a comprehensive operation.
Subsequent police inquiries uncovered that the criminal activities were orchestrated by individuals connected to the notorious gangster Gajanan Pandharinath alias Gaja Marne (55) alias Maharaj, along with his nephew and associate, Rupesh Marne (43).
Through meticulous surveillance, law enforcement managed to rescue the two kidnapped individuals from the Pune Camp area on Saturday night.
Four suspects linked to the crime have been apprehended, while an active search is ongoing for the uncle-nephew duo, Marne.
This incident underscores the rigorous measures taken by the Pune City Police to combat organized crime and ensure the safety of citizens.
………………………..
