Pune, 21st July 2026: In a case that mirrors the plot of a crime thriller, a 24-year-old man allegedly avenged his father's murder 23 years after the incident by killing one of the accused. The shocking case unfolded in Pune district's Bhor taluka, where police say the accused had been waiting for years to settle the score.
The Pune Police Crime Branch, along with Rajgad Police, has arrested Manthan Dinesh Vaidya and his three associates for allegedly murdering Sanjay Deshmukh, one of the men accused in Vaidya's father's murder. During the investigation, police also seized a country-made pistol and three live cartridges from one of the accused.
Manthan's father, Dinesh Vaidya, worked as a daily wage labourer in Pune and had developed a close friendship with Sanjay Deshmukh. However, the relationship reportedly deteriorated over personal disputes.
In April 2003, Deshmukh allegedly murdered Dinesh Vaidya while under the influence of alcohol. A murder case was registered at Vishrambaug Police Station, and Deshmukh was arrested in connection with the crime.
Manthan was only one-and-a-half years old when his father was killed. Raised solely by his mother, who ran a small eatery in Sadashiv Peth to support the family, he grew up witnessing the long legal battle over his father's murder.
According to police, the prolonged court proceedings and the loss of his father fueled a deep desire for revenge. Investigators believe Manthan had decided years ago that he would one day kill Deshmukh.
Police said Deshmukh, who had three criminal cases registered against him, was released on bail in April 2026. After learning of his release, Manthan allegedly began planning the attack.
During this period, Deshmukh reportedly met Sandeep Kori, who is Manthan's relative by marriage. Police said Deshmukh had come to know that Manthan was trying to target him and allegedly warned Kori to convince Manthan to stay away, threatening to kill him otherwise.
On the night of July 11, 2026, Deshmukh was travelling from Mundhwa towards Katraj when Manthan and his associates allegedly followed his vehicle. Near the Katraj Tunnel, they intercepted his vehicle and attacked him with sharp weapons, killing him on the spot.
A murder case was subsequently registered at Rajgad Police Station.
Using CCTV footage, technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, police identified and detained Manthan Vaidya and Saurabh Sagar Pardeshi. During interrogation, they allegedly confessed to committing the murder with the help of Miyan Gajaddin Shaikh and Sandeep Babulal Kori.
Police said the investigation has established that the murder was committed as an act of revenge for the 2003 killing of Manthan's father.
During the operation, officers recovered a country-made pistol and three live cartridges from accused Sandeep Kori. A separate case under the Arms Act has also been registered against him as further investigation continues.