In a significant breakthrough, the Pune Police Crime Branch has apprehended a key member of a notorious criminal gang, ending a two-year-long search operation. The arrest led to further detentions and the recovery of illegal firearms and substantial valuables.
Long-Awaited Arrest in Kolhapur
The operation culminated on Monday when a specialized team, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingale, successfully arrested Ganesh alias Suraj Ashok Vadda (30). Vadda, identified as a member of the Andekar gang based in Mangalwar Peth, was tracked down and taken into custody from Bhudargad in Kolhapur. He was a wanted accused in an attempt to murder case registered at the Faraskhana police station in 2024.
Minor Detained and Weapons Seized
In a parallel development during the early hours of Monday, patrolling officials from the crime branch intercepted a 17-year-old minor boy who was also associated with the gang led by Bandu alias Suryakant Andekar. From the minor, the police confiscated significant evidence, including:
- Two country-made pistols valued at approximately Rs 80,000.
- Several sharp-edged weapons.
- The scooter he was riding at the time.
Recovery of Looted Valuables
Building on the initial arrests, the police conducted coordinated searches at the residences of other known members of the Andekar gang. These raids yielded a substantial haul of stolen goods. The authorities recovered gold and other valuables with a total estimated worth of Rs 18.84 lakh.
The successful operation marks a crucial strike against organized crime in the region, demonstrating the police's persistent efforts to track down elusive criminals and dismantle their networks. The arrests are expected to aid in solving several other pending cases linked to the gang.
