Pune police have intensified their investigation into the brutal murder of hotelier Satish Wagh, with four accused remanded to police custody until December 20. The Hadapsar Police have filed additional charges of abduction and premeditated murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The arrested individuals, Pavan Shyamsundar Sharma (30) from Wagholi, Navnath Arjun Gursale (31) from Beed, Vikas Sitaram Shinde (28) from Wagholi, and Akshay Harish Javalkar (29) from Phursungi, allegedly carried out the crime on December 9.
According to the investigation, Wagh was abducted during his morning walk near Phursungi Phata in an unregistered car and later stabbed 72 times, resulting in his death. The accused dumped the body at Shindawane Ghat and fled the scene.
Police Inspector Sudarshan Gaikwad confirmed that the mobile phones of the accused were seized to gather evidence. Javalakar, identified as the main conspirator, previously rented a property from Wagh.
Due to personal disputes, Javalkar reportedly offered ₹5 lakh to Sharma to execute the murder. The accused meticulously planned the crime, including reconnaissance and coordination.
The investigation revealed that the accused had reconvened a few days prior to finalize the murder plan. They monitored Wagh’s routine and acted on December 9. After abducting Wagh in the early morning, they stabbed him multiple times in the moving vehicle. Evidence, including the murder weapon and payment trail, is being scrutinized.
The court has granted police custody to facilitate further inquiries into potential accomplices, the financial source of the ₹5 lakh payment, and other key details surrounding the crime. Public Prosecutor Varsha Aslekar argued for extended custody, citing the premeditated and heinous nature of the crime.
