Youth shot dead in gang violence in Pune’s Nana Peth

Initial probe indicates the killing was revenge for the murder of ex-NCP corporator Vanraj Andekar, who was gunned down on September 1, 2024

Tensions gripped the city on the eve of Ganesh immersion celebrations following a shocking incident in Nana Peth, where a youth was fatally shot.

The three assailants, who were reportedly waiting in the parking area of the building, opened fire and shot him three times. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

The victim, identified as Ayush alias Govind Komkar, was shot at the parking area of his residence in Laxmi Co-op Housing Society at around 8pm on Friday.

The three assailants, who were reportedly waiting in the parking area of the building, opened fire and shot him three times.

He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead, said police.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the murder was carried out as an act of revenge for the killing of Vanraj Andekar, a former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) corporator, who was murdered on September 1, 2024.

Police sources revealed that Ayush was the son of Ganesh, who was arrested as a prime accused in the Andekar murder case.

Last year, in connection with the murder of Vanraj Andekar, police arrested a total of 23, including Somnath Gaikwad, Anirudhha Dudhbhate, Jayant Komkar, Sanjivani Komkar, and Ganesh Komkar. Action was taken against them under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), and currently, they are in jail.

On September 1, the Bharti Vidyapeeth police station and crime branch arrested Datta Kale for allegedly performing Reiki on some of those involved in Vanraj’s murder in Ambegaon Pathar. Police suspected that he was deployed by the Andekar gang to avenge the murder of Vanraj Andekar by attacking members of the rival gang. Eight accused have been booked in the case so far.

Police have tightened security and are keeping close watch on rival groups to prevent further escalation.