Pune Police Crack Down on Brutal Murder Case, Arrest Three and Detain Minor
The Crime Branch of Pune Police made significant headway on Thursday evening by arresting three young men and detaining a minor in connection with the shocking murder of a chartered accountant. The incident, which has sent ripples through the city, occurred on the secluded Warje hill, located off the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass, where the victim was allegedly assaulted to death in a gruesome plot driven by financial motives.
Arrests and Victim Identification
In a swift operation led by assistant commissioner of police (crime) Vijay Kumbhar and inspector Dattaram Bagwe, the police apprehended Shubham Shinde (25) from Sinhgad Road, Lucky Singh (23) from Khadki, and Sunil Khalase (19) from Karvenagar. Additionally, a 17-year-old minor boy was taken into custody. The deceased has been identified as Rajendra Yelgacche, a 40-year-old resident of Ambegaon who was associated with a prominent hospital on Sinhagad Road.
Following the discovery of the crime, the police team meticulously worked to establish the victim's identity and trace his last contacts, which ultimately led them to the suspects. This thorough investigation underscores the department's commitment to tackling violent crimes in the region.
Background of the Accused and the Plot
Inspector Bagwe provided insights into the backgrounds of the accused, revealing that Shubham Shinde worked as a private driver, while his accomplices, Lucky Singh and Sunil Khalase, were unemployed. Shinde had previously run a food cart business but was forced to wind it up during the Covid-induced lockdown, leading him to borrow money from various sources. After the lockdown, he took up driving as a means of livelihood.
It was during his employment at the hospital that Shinde befriended Yelgacche, becoming aware of the chartered accountant's financial standing. This knowledge sparked a sinister plan among Shinde and his friends to extort money from Yelgacche by luring him to an isolated location.
Details of the Fatal Assault
The plot unfolded when Shinde and his associates sent Yelgacche a location via cellphone, directing him to the hilly area of Warje. Upon arrival, Yelgacche was confronted by the group, who demanded money from him. When he resisted, the situation escalated violently.
The assailants reportedly beat Yelgacche before escalating the attack with sharp weapons and heavy stones, ultimately bludgeoning him to death in a brutal manner. After committing the crime, the four fled the scene on two two-wheelers. Inspector Bagwe noted that Shinde had enticed his friends to join the plot by promising them a trivial sum, highlighting the callous nature of the offense.
This case has drawn attention to the rising concerns over financial crimes and violence in urban areas, prompting calls for increased vigilance and community safety measures. The Pune Police's prompt action in this matter is being closely watched as the investigation continues to unfold.
