Pune: In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the gang responsible for the gruesome murder of builder Vitthal Sakharam Polekar (70) from Polekarwadi, Sinhagad Road has been booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999. The accused, who are currently in judicial custody, had allegedly been running an organized crime syndicate to establish dominance in the Khadakwasla, Donje, Gonhe Budruk, and the entire Sinhagad Road area, aiming for financial gains through illegal activities.
The gang, led by Yogesh alias Babu Kisan Bhame (32), along with his associates Rohit alias Bala Kisan Bhame (22), Milind Devidas Thorat (24), Shubham Popat Sonawane (24), and Ramdas Damodar Polekar (32), had been systematically involved in various criminal acts to expand their influence. Investigations revealed that their criminal activities were well-planned and executed with the intent of creating fear in the region.
Following the murder of Polekar, Haveli Police launched a detailed probe, uncovering the gang’s deep-rooted criminal operations. Realizing the urgent need to curb their illegal activities, Police Inspector Sachin Wangade of Haveli Police Station submitted a proposal to Pankaj Deshmukh, Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural), seeking permission to invoke MCOCA. The case was further reviewed under Deshmukh’s guidance and forwarded to the Special Inspector General of Police, Kolhapur Range.
After thorough scrutiny, the Kolhapur Range Special IG approved action against Yogesh Bhame and his gang under MCOCA Sections 3(1)(i)(ii), 3(2), 3(4), and 4. This decisive move aims to dismantle their criminal network and prevent further unlawful activities in the region.
