Pune Police Invoke MCOCA Against 21 Accused in Murder Case of Former Corporator Vanraj Andekar

Pune, 16th September 2024: The Pune Police have launched a significant crackdown on the accused in the murder case of former corporator Vanraj Suryakant Andekar (40) by invoking the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA). The action targets 21 individuals, including notorious criminal Soma Gaekwad, Vanraj’s sister, her husband, and three minor children.

The primary accused, Soma alias Somnath Sayaji Gaikwad, a resident of Ambegaon Pathar, leads the criminal gang booked in the case. Other arrested individuals include:

Sanjeevani Jayant Komkar (resident of 309, Nana Peth)
Jayant Laxman Komkar (52 years old)
Prakash Jayant Komkar
Ganesh Laxman Komkar (37 years old)
Aniket Dudhbhate
Tushar alias Aba Kadam
Sagar Pawar
Sam alias Sameer Kale
Akash Mhaske
Sangam Waghmare

Three minor children associated with the gang have also been detained. The complaint was lodged by Vanraj’s father, Suryakant alias Bandu Ranuji Andekar, aged 68, at the Samarth Police Station.

The background of the case reveals a tangled web of financial and family disputes. Vanraj and Sanjeevani are siblings, while Jayant Komkar is her husband. Ganesh Komkar is married to Andekar’s youngest daughter. Tensions escalated following an encroachment action on Sanjeevani’s shop, which Sanjeevani suspected was orchestrated by Vanraj. On September 1, these tensions culminated in a violent attack where Vanraj was shot and stabbed to death near his residence.

Following the attack, the police arrested 18 individuals and seized eight pistols, 13 live cartridges and seven two-wheelers. The investigation has unveiled that the murder was motivated by revenge for the previous killing of Nikhil Akhade, financial disputes, and ongoing family conflicts.

Soma Gaikwad’s gang had attempted to attack Vanraj on several occasions but was thwarted each time. Ultimately, on September 1, they succeeded in their plans, having prepared by gathering weapons and closely monitoring Vanraj’s movements. The murder is also linked to financial needs related to court proceedings involving the accused in the Nikhil Akhade case.

The investigation continues as the police work to piece together the full extent of the gang’s operations and their motives.