Pune Gangland: Two Police Constables Suspended for Allegedly Providing Cellphone to Gangster Gajanan Marne
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, 20 December, 2014
In a decisive move, the crime branch of the Pune police enacted the suspension of two police constables on Thursday night.
The suspension came in response to allegations that the constables had facilitated gangster Gajanan Marne, a key suspect in the murder case of Amol Badhe, with a cellphone.
Badhe was a member of the rival Nilesh Ghaywal gang and was fatally shot near the Vaikunth crematorium on November 29.
Police Officials Sudhir Ghotkule and Shivaji Jadhav Under Suspicion
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Jayant Naiknaware revealed on Friday that he had taken the immediate step of suspending Sudhir Ghotkule and Shivaji Jadhav, both associated with the crime branch’s unit II. The suspension is a preventive measure pending inquiry.
The decision was prompted by credible information suggesting that the constables had supplied a mobile phone to Marne, thereby enabling him to communicate with unknown individuals while in police custody.
Clarification on Legal Implications: Absence of MCOCA Charges
When asked about the absence of charges under Section 24 of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), which pertains to abetting organized crime syndicates, Naiknaware clarified, “We possess substantial evidence against the policemen to warrant suspension. However, their involvement does not extend to abetting the organized crime syndicate.”
Marne’s Arrest and Investigation Transition
The crime branch’s pursuit of justice has led to the arrest of Gajanan Marne and 14 accomplices under MCOCA.
The case’s investigative reins have been handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Prasad Hasabnis, marking a significant transition in the ongoing investigations.
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