Pune: The Airport Police have registered a case against eight individuals, including a gangster who recently secured bail after being detained under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA). The accused, Rohan Ashok Gaikwad, allegedly vandalized a hotel in the Dhanori Check Post area, assaulted the owner and staff, and demanded ₹15,000 in monthly extortion to allow the hotel to operate.

According to the complaint filed by hotel manager Ansar Gafur Shaikh, the incident occurred on Saturday (January 18) night. Gaikwad and his associates entered Hotel Amir in Dhanori to have dinner. During their visit, they began abusing and arguing with other customers present in the establishment.

When hotel owner Ansar Shaikh intervened and asked Gaikwad and his associates to leave, they complied initially. However, the group returned shortly after and began vandalizing the property.

The hotel manager, Sharif Shaikh, was struck on the head with a hard object, causing injuries. The owner, Ansar Shaikh, was pushed and threatened. Gaikwad demanded ₹15,000 monthly extortion, warning that the hotel would not be allowed to operate otherwise.

Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Dhamne is leading the investigation. Efforts are underway to locate Gaikwad and his associates, who fled the scene after the incident.

Rohan Gaikwad is a known gangster in the region with multiple serious cases registered against him, including attempted murder, illegal possession of weapons, and extortion. In 2022, MCOCA action was initiated against him, leading to his imprisonment in Yerawada Central Jail. However, after securing bail, Gaikwad allegedly resumed his criminal activities, causing fear and unrest in the area.