Pune: A habitual offender, previously involved in extortion cases targeting construction businessmen, was apprehended by the police while allegedly preparing to commit another crime.

The accused, Ambaji Kalyani Shinge (24), was caught in possession of a country-made pistol and a live cartridge near Nana Nani Park in Shivajinagar, Pune.

Ambaji Shinge, a resident of New MHADA Colony, Hadapsar, is no stranger to criminal activities. He had earlier been arrested by the Mundhwa police for threatening a construction businessman with a pistol and demanding ₹35 lakh as extortion.

Despite being released on bail for that offense, Shinge, along with an accomplice, continued his illegal activities. He was arrested again by the Wanawadi police for confronting another construction businessman and attempting to extort money.

On the night of September 22, police personnel, including Constable Shrikrishna Sangve, Assistant Police Inspector Pandhare, and other officers, were on patrol when they received information from an informant.

The tip-off indicated that Shinge was near the public toilet at Nana Nani Park, armed with a country-made pistol. Acting swiftly, the officers verified the information and laid a trap. Shinge was arrested on the spot, and during a search, the police found the weapon and a live cartridge.

Shinge is now in custody, and Police Sub-Inspector Sanjay Pandhare is leading the investigation into the matter. 

The arrest marks a significant development in curbing the criminal activities of a notorious offender with a history of threatening construction professionals.