Three Men Arrested Following Armed Robbery at Paan Shop in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's Busy Nirala Bazaar
In a swift police action, three individuals have been apprehended in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at a paan shop in the bustling Nirala Bazaar area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The incident, which took place on Sunday evening, involved threats with weapons and theft of cash and cigarettes, while a fourth suspect remains at large.
Details of the Robbery Incident
The robbery unfolded around 5 PM on Sunday when the accused men allegedly entered the paan shop owned by Ashish Kaste, a 24-year-old resident of Chauraha in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. According to police reports, the perpetrators threatened Kaste with a country-made pistol and a sharp knife, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.
During the confrontation, the robbers forcibly took approximately Rs 7,000 in cash from the counter along with cigarettes valued at around Rs 6,000. As they fled the scene, they reportedly issued death threats to the shop owner, warning him against approaching the authorities. Later, the absconding accused allegedly reinforced these threats through a phone call to Kaste.
Police Response and Arrests
Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar emphasized the department's prompt response to the crime. "The crime branch team immediately swung into action and nabbed three of the accused from the Aurangpura area," Pawar stated. "Weapons used in the offence were also recovered during the operation."
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Jay Bhandarkar (23) from Modikhana, Jalna
- Ritesh Pahadiye (25) from Rajabazaar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Karan Tandale (26) from Daradgalli, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The fourth accused, Sahil Chandak (28) of Aurangpura, remains absconding, with police actively pursuing his capture.
Weapons Recovery and Investigation Findings
Inspector (Crime) Gajanan Kalyankar provided details about the seized items: "A country-made pistol, one live cartridge, and a sharp knife, collectively worth Rs 51,400, were recovered from the accused." Kalyankar further explained that during interrogation, Jay Bhandarkar led investigators to the location of the firearm and knife used in the robbery.
Police records indicate that Bhandarkar has prior criminal history in Jalna, including cases related to attempt to murder and illegal possession of arms. This background adds complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Legal Framework and Charges
Based on Ashish Kaste's complaint, the Kranti Chowk police have registered a comprehensive case under multiple legal provisions:
- Sections 309(3), 309(4), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act
- Sections 37(1), 37(3), and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act
This multi-pronged legal approach reflects the seriousness of the armed robbery and the threats issued to the victim.
The investigation continues as authorities work to trace and apprehend the fourth suspect while examining all aspects of this brazen daylight robbery in one of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's busiest commercial areas.
