Weapon supplier in ₹75 lakh contract killing plot held after two years on the run

Earlier, six individuals were arrested in the case, and a total of ten accused were identified during the probe

The Anti-Extortion Cell (Unit 2) of Pune Police has arrested an accused who had been absconding for nearly two years for allegedly supplying a firearm to shooters in a high-profile contract killing case linked to a family dispute, officials said on Wednesday.

Police said Gaikwad had been evading arrest since the incident. During questioning, he admitted to his involvement, officials said. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

The accused, identified as Nilesh Gaikwad (24), a resident of Pisoli, was arrested on March 30 after police received a tip-off that he had come to meet his mother at a residential apartment in the area.

The case dates back to April 2024, when businessman Dhiraj Argade was targeted in a shooting attempt outside his office on Jangli Maharaj Road. Argade had just entered his parked car when two men on a motorcycle approached him. One of them aimed a pistol and attempted to fire, but the weapon failed to discharge, allowing him to escape unharmed. The assailants fled immediately.

Subsequent investigation by the Crime Branch revealed that Argade’s father had allegedly orchestrated the attack, hiring contract killers for ₹75 lakh due to personal disputes. Police said ₹20 lakh had already been paid, part of which was distributed to the shooters.

Earlier, six individuals were arrested in the case, and a total of ten accused were identified during the probe. Gaikwad is believed to have played a key role by supplying the firearm used in the attempted attack.

Police said Gaikwad had been evading arrest since the incident. During questioning, he admitted to his involvement, officials said.