Pune: In a significant development in the murder case of former corporator Vanraj Andekar, the Crime Branch submitted a 1,700-page charge sheet against 21 accused in court on Friday (February 14). The accused have been charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).

According to police investigations, the dispute between the Andekar and Komkar families intensified after Sanjeevani Komkar's general store in Nana Peth was demolished by the Pune Municipal Corporation's anti-encroachment department. The Komkar family suspected that this action was taken at the instruction of Vanraj Andekar.

Additionally, in 2023, members of Andekar’s gang, including Krishna Andekar, were involved in the murder of Nikhil Akhade, a member of Somnath Sayaji Gaikwad's gang. In retaliation, the Gaikwad gang plotted and executed the murder of Vanraj Andekar.

Planned Execution on September 1

On September 1, members of Gaikwad’s gang—Akash Mhaske, Vivek Kadam, Tushar Kadam, and Sameer Kale—shot and killed Vanraj Andekar.

Seized Weapons and Arrests

During the investigation, police recovered:

• Eight pistols

• 13 live cartridges

• Seven machetes

• Seven two-wheelers

• Three cars

• A total of 21 accused were arrested, and two minors were taken into custody.

Evidence and Property Seizure

• The 1,700-page charge sheet submitted to the court contains:

• CCTV footage from Nana Peth, Ambegaon Pathar, and Dapoli

• Technical analysis of mobile communications

The police have also initiated proceedings to seize the properties of the accused. The investigation was conducted under the guidance of Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawade, Deputy Commissioner of Police Nikhil Pingle and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ganesh Ingle. The case was handled by Inspector Shabbir Sayyed, Sub-Inspector Rahul Pawar, and officers Vinod Shinde and Anna Mane.