On March 3, 2025, Gaja Marne, a well-known figure in Pune’s criminal underworld and currently booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), was being transported under heavy police security from Yerwada Jail to Sangli Jail. The transfer was ordered to prevent Marne from receiving special treatment in Yerwada and to ensure stricter custody.
However, en route to Sangli, the police escort stopped at a roadside dhaba near Satara. In a shocking breach of protocol, officers purchased mutton biryani and served it to Marne inside the official police vehicle. The entire episode was captured on video, which quickly went viral on social media and triggered widespread outrage.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar responded swiftly to the public outcry, ordering the suspension of an assistant inspector and four constables involved in the incident. The internal probe revealed that not only did the officers violate standard operating procedures, but a luxury car was also seen trailing the police van, raising further questions about possible collusion and preferential treatment for the gangster.
The Commissioner emphasized that the transfer to Sangli was specifically intended to prevent such privileges and maintain discipline among both inmates and police personnel. The suspended officers now face a detailed departmental inquiry, and further action may follow based on the investigation’s findings.
This incident is not an isolated case for the Pune Police. Recent months have seen multiple suspensions and disciplinary actions against officers for bribery, extortion, and collusion with criminals. The mutton party episode has reignited debates about the integrity of law enforcement in Maharashtra, especially in cases involving high-profile gangsters.
Public trust in the police has been shaken, with citizens and activists demanding stricter oversight, transparency, and accountability. The Maharashtra police force now faces mounting pressure to reform internal protocols and ensure that such breaches of discipline are not repeated.
The video’s viral spread has led to widespread condemnation from the public, media, and political leaders. Many have questioned how a notorious criminal could receive such treatment while in custody, and why police officers would risk their careers for a seemingly trivial favor. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and impartiality of prisoner transfers, especially when dealing with influential or dangerous inmates.