Somnath Gaikwad’s Gang Linked to Murder of Former NCP Corporator Vanraj Andekar: Pune Police

Nana Peth, 5th September 2024: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar revealed on Wednesday that gangster Somnath Gaikwad was instrumental in funding and orchestrating the brutal murder of former NCP corporator Vanraj Andekar.

The incident took place on the night of September 1 near Andekar’s residence in Nana Peth, Pune.

According to Commissioner Kumar, Gaikwad, who had previously broken away from the gang led by Suryakant alias Bandu Andekar, supported Aniket Dudhbhate, who masterminded the assassination. Gaikwad’s split from the Andekar gang in 2021 led him to form his own group based in Ambegaon Pathar. This faction, known as the ‘Samarth group’ after the nearby Samarth police station, comprised individuals with criminal backgrounds and ongoing cases at the station.

Dudhbhate’s motive was revenge for the murder of his close friend Nikhil Akhade on October 5 of the previous year. The police had arrested Suryakant Andekar and five others in connection with Akhade’s murder, applying the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA). Suryakant was released on bail in January, while Gaikwad, involved in a separate MCOCA case, was granted bail in April.

“Vanraj Andekar was targeted due to a property dispute involving his two sisters, who are married to brothers from the Komkar family residing in Nana Peth,” Kumar explained. “This conflict brought the Komkars closer to Gaikwad, leading to the planning of Vanraj’s murder over the past 45 days.”

In connection with the murder, the police have detained several individuals. On Monday, Vanraj’s sister, Sanjeevani, her husband Jayant Laxman Komkar, his brothers Ganesh and Prakash, and Somnath Gaikwad were arrested. Ganesh is married to Vanraj’s other sister, while Prakash is a close associate of Gaikwad. “Prakash and Gaikwad are the primary conspirators behind this crime. Gaikwad directed Dudhbhate and his men to carry out the murder,” Kumar added.

The police have formally charged 10 of the 13 suspects, including Dudhbhate, who were apprehended on Tuesday evening in Maan village, Tamhini Ghat. Additionally, three minors, aged between 16 and 17, were also detained. Dudhbhate and the nine adults were produced before a city court, which granted their custodial remand until September 12. The minors were presented to the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and placed in an observation home for 14 days. The police have requested the JJB to consider trying the minors as adults.

“Investigations reveal that Dudhbhate and his associates assembled at Market Yard a few hours before the murder. Three of them carried firearms, while another three were armed with billhooks,” Kumar said. “Dudhbhate, who was familiar with Andekar’s routine, initially surveyed the area and later returned with his men to execute the attack.”

Following the murder, the assailants fled to Lonavala and eventually reached Maan via Tamhini Ghat, according to the police.