In a dramatic turn of events, Bunty Dattatreya Jahagirdar, a prime accused in the infamous 2012 Pune serial blasts case, was shot dead on a public street in Shrirampur town of Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district. The fatal shooting occurred on Tuesday evening, sending shockwaves through the local community and law enforcement agencies.
The Fatal Attack in Shrirampur
According to police reports, the incident took place around 6:30 PM near Hotel Shree Ganesh, located in the bustling Gajanan Maharaj Chowk area of Shrirampur. Jahagirdar, who was out on bail, was reportedly walking when unidentified assailants opened fire on him. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
The police have confirmed that four bullet casings were recovered from the crime scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the attackers used a motorcycle to approach their target and fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Senior police officials, including Superintendent of Police (Ahmednagar) Rakesh Ola, have visited the site, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the culprits.
Jahagirdar's Notorious Past and Legal Battles
Bunty Jahagirdar's name was etched in Maharashtra's crime history due to his alleged involvement in the 2012 Pune serial blasts. Those coordinated low-intensity explosions had rocked the city on August 1, 2012, injuring several people and creating widespread panic. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which took over the probe, had charged him under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Investigators had alleged that Jahagirdar was a member of the banned terrorist organization Indian Mujahideen (IM). He was accused of playing a key logistical role, including conducting reconnaissance of the blast sites and assisting other accused persons. After years of legal proceedings, he had been granted bail. His sudden and violent death now raises critical questions about the security of high-profile accused persons out on bail and the potential motives behind this execution-style killing.
Investigations and Lingering Questions
The Shrirampur City Police have registered a case of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. Forensic teams are scouring the area for evidence, including CCTV footage from nearby establishments. While the immediate motive remains unclear, police are exploring all possible angles, including:
- Potential links to old rivalries or personal enmities.
- Connections to his past involvement with extremist networks.
- The possibility of a gangland-style execution.
This incident has put a spotlight on the law and order situation in Maharashtra, particularly concerning the safety of individuals involved in sensitive terrorism cases. It also brings the 2012 Pune blasts case back into public discourse, a case that has seen a long and complex trial with multiple accused.
The killing of a key accused in such a brazen manner, in broad daylight in a town, is likely to prompt serious scrutiny from both state and central agencies. The coming days are expected to reveal more details as the police investigation progresses and attempts are made to unravel the conspiracy behind this shocking murder.
