Lokmat News NetworkChhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Police have arrested retired API and his son for allegedly threatening a Tehsildar along with a group of sand mafia members. A local court has remanded both accused in police custody until Thursday, API Gautam Wawale confirmed.
The arrested accused has been identified as API Dadarav Pawar (59, Wankhedenagar, N-13) and his son Sandeep (35). On February 6, Tehsildar Ramesh Mundlod seized a Hyva truck transporting sand illegally near Vijay Chowk. While officials were taking the truck to the Tehsil office, Pawar, along with a mob of criminals, threatened Mundlod and managed to flee with the truck. Later, at the Jinsi Police Station, Pawar and his accomplices physically attacked the Tehsildar in front of the police, while the then-duty officer, Prashant Pasalkar, remained a mere spectator. The incident created a stir in police and revenue circles, even reaching Mumbai. Since then, Pawar and his son had been absconding, while Pasalkar was suspended.
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Suspension, police pressure, and arrest
After the attack, both accused went absconding, while Pasalkar was suspended for inaction. As Pawar evaded arrest, revenue officials expressed frustration over the slow police response. Commissioner Pravin Pawar directed Jinsi Police and the Crime Branch to intensify the manhunt. On Tuesday, acting on a tip-off, PI Sandeep Gurme and PSI Vishal Bodkhe traced Dadarav Pawar to a hotel in his native village, Chapner. Police raided the spot and arrested him while he was with friends.
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Son surrendered with the stolen truck
On February 6, Pawar had snatched the Hyva truck in front of the Tehsildar. Knowing that police would seek an extension of custody citing the missing truck, his son, Sandeep, voluntarily surrendered at the police station with the vehicle on Monday. Sandeep already has a previous case of rioting against him. Pawar, who retired as an Assistant Police Inspector in 2024, turned into a sand mafia kingpin during his tenure in service.