Pune: In a significant breakthrough, the Sahakarnagar police in Pune have successfully apprehended a man who had been absconding for over a year after being charged under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The arrested accused, identified as 26-year-old Rajkumar Shyamlal Pardeshi, a resident of Balajinagar in Dhankawadi, had been wanted in several serious criminal cases.

Pardeshi, who faces charges of attempted murder, grievous assault, and involvement in violent brawls, had been evading arrest since the MCOCA case was registered against him.

Acting on a tip-off from an informant, police constables Amol Pawar and Mahesh Mandlik learned that Pardeshi would be visiting Dhankawade Hospital in Balajinagar to meet a friend. In response, the Sahakarnagar police set up a trap in the area and successfully apprehended him.

The arrest marks a significant victory for the police, as Pardeshi was involved in four major criminal cases.

The operation was led by Senior Police Inspector Chhagan Kapse, along with Crime Inspector Uttam Bhajanawale, and a team that included Assistant Police Inspector Sagar Patil, Sub-Inspector Bapu Khutwad, and constables Amol Pawar, Mahesh Mandlik, and Kiran Kamble.

The Sahakarnagar police have been praised for their vigilance and swift action, which brought an end to the year-long manhunt for the dangerous fugitive.

Meanwhile, Pune Police recently invoked MCOCA against the notorious moneylender Nanasaheb Gaikwad and his gang for third time. This latest action follows the theft of critical files related to criminal complaints filed by Gaikwad’s daughter-in-law against him, his son Ganesh Gaikwad, and other family members.