Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Within hours of the firing incident in Hanumannagar, police arrested eight persons, including Pawan Divekar and Nilesh alias Surya Narayan Ranjane (resident of Nyaynagar), who were allegedly searching for hideouts across the city to evade arrest. The arrests were made before 5 am. The rival group claimed that Ranjane had also opened fire, though police denied this. Preliminary investigation suggests that a dispute triggered by a photograph displayed during an April 14 procession escalated into the firing.
In recent days, the city has witnessed a spate of crimes including robberies, deadly assaults and incidents of intimidation using pistols. A youth was stabbed and robbed near API Corner. More than seven women were robbed within 72 hours. In Harsul, a criminal created panic by vandalising vehicles with a pistol. In Waluj, a girl was robbed at knifepoint. Amid this backdrop, Thursday’s firing in a densely populated Hanumannagar area once again jolted the city.
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Procession dispute led to firing
On April 14, a dispute erupted in Pundliknagar after Divekar’s photograph was displayed during a procession. Following this, Ranjane’s group allegedly assaulted Divekar’s cousin Kunal Salve (26, resident of Nyaynagar) with a flagpole rod. Tension simmered for two days, after which Divekar and Ranjane allegedly attacked each other with knives on Thursday, during which a bullet was fired. Based on Kunal Salve’s complaint, Pundliknagar police registered a case against Nilesh Ranjane, Aditya Dabhade, Akash Salunkhe, Amol Salunkhe, Omkar Giri and two others. Following Ranjane’s complaint, cases were also registered against Divekar, Kunal Salve, Rohan Divekar, Siddharth Chabukswar and Satish Hivarale.
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Those arrested
Pawan Divekar, Kunal Salve, Mahesh Gautam Salve (30, Sansarnagar), Rohan Divekar (24, MSEB Colony, Mill Corner), Satish Hivarale (23, Samtanagar), Siddharth Chabukswar (21, Nyaynagar, Garkheda), Nilesh Ranjane and Akash Salunkhe (Hanumannagar).
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Caught at 5 am while having tea
After the firing, Divekar allegedly moved across several areas including Bhavsinghpura, Padegaon and Mitmita, switching his mobile phone on and off to avoid detection. Around 5 am, police apprehended one of his associates and cousin, who revealed that Pawan was near Paithan Gate. A team comprising PSI Arjun Raut, Sunil Mhaske,and others rushed to the spot. On seeing the police, Divekar attempted to flee. During the chase, PSI Raut fell and suffered a leg fracture. Despite the injury, the team managed to nab the accused. Following their arrest, all accused were subjected to intensive interrogation at the police station as further action against the entire gang is being prepared.