Gang war erupts over mobile, girl dispute in Mukundwadi

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A gang war broke out over a mobile phone and a girl, simmering for five days. Seeking revenge for a prior assault, notorious criminal Shubham Jat and his gang attacked a relative’s house in Shivshahi Nagar, Mukundwadi, at 6.30 am on Monday, firing two gunshots in an attempted murder.

Municipal sanitation worker Sachin Lahot (35) saw seven to eight attackers outside, armed with swords, knives, and a pistol. They threatened him and tried to break the main door with a stone. Sachin recognized Shubham holding the pistol; the attackers warned, “Sachin, come out; today we will finish you.” When he refused, Shubham fired two rounds one into the air, one hitting the house. Police recovered one cartridge. The gang threatened the crowd before fleeing. Police commissioner Pravin Pawar, deputy commissioner Prashant Swami, assistant commissioner Manish Kalyankar, senior inspector Gajanan Kalyankar, and local officers Ashok Bhandari and Ashok Ingole rushed to the scene, interrogating Lahot and apprehending suspects within five hours.

Mobile, girl feud

The dispute began over a girl linked to Shubham’s gang and escalated between Shubham and Sachin’s relative, Ajay Kagda, a notorious criminal previously jailed under MPDA regulations. On 17 January, Shubham seized a mobile phone belonging to Ajay’s uncle, prompting Ajay and his associates to assault and record Shubham. Seeking revenge, Shubham attacked Sachin’s house, but a jammed pistol prevented casualties.

Gangsters arrested, Shubham captured

Police tracked Shubham to his house near Mhaske Petrol Pump. Several attackers, including Mayur Sanjay Unge, Shiva Ramesh Bhalerao, Golya alias Vijay Dhane, Manoj Sanjay Padul, Sagar Raut, and Amar alias Atul Pawar, were captured. Shubham hid in a water tank on the terrace and was arrested despite threats from his family. His sister and brother (employed at Mahavitaran) were also booked.

Mukundwadi gang resurfaces

Gang activity has resurfaced in Mukundwadi and Pundliknagar, emboldened by police negligence. Shubham, active since 2012, faces over 15 serious cases; Amar Pawar has three murder charges, and Mayur and Vijay face attempted murder cases.