crime 6 - The Latremie Post

From Selling Utensils To Running Extortion Rackets: The Story Of Pune’s Andekar Gang

**Pune Police Crack Down on Andekar Gang Following Murder of 18-Year-Old Ayush Komkar**

After the murder of 18-year-old Ayush Komkar, Pune Police have intensified their crackdown on the notorious Andekar Gang and its family members, who have been implicated in various criminal cases. Simultaneously, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken decisive action by demolishing illegal structures established by the gang and their relatives in Nana Peth’s fish market and other locations.

According to sources, more than 70 shop owners operating in the area have jointly filed complaints against the cruelty and extortion practices of the gang members with the Pune Police.

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### 13 Arrests Made So Far in Ayush Komkar Murder Case

Ayush Komkar was murdered on September 5 in Nana Peth, in what is alleged to be a conspiracy masterminded by his grandfather, Suryakant alias Bandu Ranoji Andekar. The murder was reportedly carried out as an act of revenge for the death of Bandu’s son, Vanraj Andekar (40), a former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) corporator, who was shot dead near his residence in Nana Peth on September 1, 2024.

Following a complaint lodged by Ayush’s mother, Kalyani, the police booked 15 individuals in connection with the case. These include Bandu (68), his son Krushna alias Krushnaraj Suryakant Andekar (40), nephews Shivam Udaykant Andekar (31), Shivraj Udaykant Andekar (29), and Abhishek Udaykant Andekar (21), their mother Lakshmi Udaykant Andekar (60), as well as sister Vrundavani Nilanjay Wadekar (40) and her children Swaraj (22) and Tushar Nilanjay Wadekar (26).

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### History of the Andekar Gang

The Andekar family’s involvement in criminal activities dates back to the 1970s. Initially, the family ran a utensil business that involved exchanging new utensils for old clothes. However, Bandu’s brother, Balu Andekar, reportedly committed the family’s first crime in 1970 when he attacked a local goon over a minor dispute, breaking the man’s finger.

Balu capitalized on the fear his actions stirred among local residents and formed a gang that began extorting money from vendors. To assert dominance, he eliminated a rival, Appa Taru of Kasba Peth, in 1975 by collaborating with another local goon, Promod Malvadkar.

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### Dispute and Gang Wars Between Andekar and Malvadkar Crews

The alliance between Balu Andekar and Promod Malvadkar soured, leading to a violent fallout. On July 17, 1984, Malvadkar murdered Balu with swords in the Shivajinagar court premises. This assassination escalated into a gang war between the Andekar and Malvadkar factions, resulting in the deaths of six people, including Malvadkar’s father, brother, and a cousin.

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### Rise of Gangster Suryakant Alias Bandu Andekar

Bandu Andekar was implicated in multiple cases related to the murders linked to the Malvadkar gang conflict. A Pune court sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Despite this, upon release, Bandu declared himself the gang’s leader and resumed extorting ‘hafta’ (protection money) from local vendors.

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### Andekar Family’s Political Influence

The Andekar gang’s influence extended into politics. While Bandu was operating criminal activities, his brothers Udaykant and Ramakant won Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) corporator elections. Additionally, Bandu’s wife Rajashree Andekar was elected to civic offices twice, in 2007 and 2012. His son, Vanraj Andekar, secured a PMC corporator seat in 2017 on an NCP ticket.

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### Criminal Records of the Andekar Gang Members

Over the years, multiple cases have been filed against the Andekar gang:

– **Bandu Andekar:** 17 cases since 1981, including murder, riots, extortion, Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA), and Arms Act violations.
– **Krushnaraj Suryakant Andekar:** 8 cases.
– **Shivam Andekar:** 5 cases, among others.

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### Extortion from Fish Market Vendors

From 2012 onwards, the gang intensified extortion activities by demanding protection money from fish market vendors, under the pretext of shielding them from PMC encroachment drives. Leveraging their criminal and political influence, gang members demanded over ₹50,000 per vendor monthly, reportedly collecting more than ₹40 lakh every month from the fish market alone.

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### Police Action and Current Developments

Nikhil Pingale, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), informed *The Free Press Journal* that 15 individuals are presently in custody in connection with the Ayush Komkar murder case.

With over 70 vendors having already lodged complaints relating to the gang’s criminal activities, police expect additional reports in the near future.

The ongoing scrutiny of the Andekar gang’s illegal activities by law enforcement serves as a stern warning to other criminals operating in the region.

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*The Pune Police and PMC remain committed to restoring law and order in Nana Peth and its surrounding areas, strengthening efforts to dismantle criminal networks that have long exploited local communities.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/from-selling-utensils-to-running-extortion-rackets-the-story-of-punes-andekar-gang

Tucson woman arrested for allegedly making threat against Tempe City Council meeting

**Tucson Woman Arrested for Online Threat That Postponed Tempe City Council Meeting**

PHOENIX — A Tucson woman was arrested Wednesday for allegedly making an online threat that led to the postponement of a Tempe City Council meeting last month, authorities said.

Kathleen Tierney faces one felony count of computer tampering and two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, according to the Tempe Police Department. The computer tampering charge is based on a state statute that prohibits recklessly using a computer, computer system, or network to engage in a scheme or course of conduct directed at another person that seriously alarms, torments, threatens, or terrorizes that person.

Tierney was taken into custody in Tucson by Tempe Criminal Apprehension Surveillance Team officers, with support from the U.S. Marshals Service.

“This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the safety of our community members and elected leaders,” Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said in a press release. “Threats like this not only endanger lives, they disrupt civic engagement and silence the voices of the people we serve.”

### What Happened When the Threat Was Made Against the Tempe City Council Meeting?

Wednesday’s arrest follows an investigation into a threatening social media post targeting attendees of the August 28 Tempe City Council meeting. The threat was posted just as the council chamber was filling up shortly before the meeting was scheduled to begin.

“The concern was specific in nature and credible enough that we could not in good conscience proceed with the meeting,” Assistant Chief James Sweig said in a press release at the time.

As a result, about 75 people were escorted from the room, and the meeting was rescheduled to September 2 and conducted virtually as a precaution. Additionally, a work study session on September 4 was also changed to a virtual format.

Tempe resumed in-person City Council meetings last Thursday after police implemented several new security measures.

Tempe City Council meetings are held at the East Valley suburb’s City Hall, a distinctive inverted pyramid building on Fifth Street just east of Mill Avenue.
https://ktar.com/arizona-news/tempe-city-council-threat-arrest/5754114/

Mumbai News: Black Magic Materials Found Outside Bombay HC Gates, Anti-Superstition Activists Condemn Incident

**Mumbai: Anti-Superstition Groups Condemn Black Magic Materials Found Outside Bombay High Court**

On Monday, a pile of materials reportedly used for black magic—including a black voodoo doll, a coconut, lemons, and color—was discovered outside the gates of the Bombay High Court. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from groups campaigning against occult practices and superstitions.

Madhav Bavge of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), an organization instrumental in the enactment of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice, Other Inhuman and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, called the episode “a blot on the city,” which is known as the financial capital of the country.

“The city seems to be becoming the capital of black magic,” Bavge said. He also offered help to the administration in tracing the culprits, who could be tried under the law. Bavge added that more than a thousand cases have been registered across Maharashtra under this legislation, thanks to the efforts of his group.

“Maharashtra has a law against black magic, but it appears there is limited awareness about it,” he remarked.

The law itself was drafted by anti-superstition activist and MANS founder Narendra Dabholkar, who was tragically murdered in Pune on August 20, 2013.

The discovery of the so-called ‘utara’—a concoction used in witchcraft—shocked both lawyers and litigants visiting the court. Reports suggest that similar materials had been placed outside all four gates of the court. Initially, housekeeping staff were reluctant to remove the items, but they were finally disposed of in the evening.

There are also reports of similar incidents occurring in the past.

Despite the unsettling nature of the discovery, members of the legal community have urged calm. One lawyer commented, “As long as judges deliver judgments based on the law and lawyers remain loyal to their clients, the judiciary will remain at its zenith. People placing so-called black magic items outside the High Court will not affect the resolve of judges who wish to dispense justice.”

The incident has reignited calls for increased awareness and strict enforcement of laws against occult and superstitious practices in Maharashtra.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-black-magic-materials-found-outside-bombay-hc-gates-anti-superstition-activists-condemn-incident

Delhi: Director Of Well-Known Institution Booked For Alleged Molestation; Over 15 Female Students Recorded Statements

New Delhi: The director of a branch of a well-known institution based in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj has been booked on charges of alleged molestation after more than 15 girl students came forward with complaints, police said on Tuesday.

“The Manager of an institution has been accused of allegedly molesting about 15 girls of the institution in the Vasant Kunj area. A case has been registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, based on the statements of the girls. The accused owns a luxury car with a fake number plate bearing the United Nations’ (UN) number. The vehicle has been impounded, and upon further investigation, it was found that no such number has been issued,” officials informed on Wednesday. “The police are tracing the accused’s location.”

Statements of around 15 students have been recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) before a magistrate.

DCP (South West) Amit Goel stated, “The accused has been traced near Agra and he will be arrested soon.”

During the investigation, police also recovered a luxury red Volvo car belonging to the accused. The vehicle was found with a fake United Nations number plate displaying “39 UN 1.” Police confirmed that the number was not issued by the UN and was fabricated by the accused himself.

Officials added that the accused had earlier applied for anticipatory bail but later withdrew the plea.

Sources stated that the institution’s management has removed the accused from their position and is cooperating fully with the police investigation.

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In another operation, Delhi Police solved a blind hit-and-run case within eight days by apprehending the accused and recovering the offending vehicle in the South West district, officials informed.

According to police, on September 15 around 1 pm, a PCR call was received at Vasant Vihar police station reporting that a car belonging to Mayank Jain had been hit by another vehicle between 2 am and 3 am at the Munirka flyover.

When Jain stepped out of his vehicle, the driver allegedly hit him deliberately and fled the spot. Jain sustained injuries and was admitted to RR Hospital, Dhaula Kuan, for treatment.

Based on the complaint, a case (FIR No. 221/25) was registered at Vasant Vihar police station.

Police scanned more than 200 CCTV cameras installed along the Ring Road and its adjoining areas during the investigation. They identified a suspected car with broken front glass. Upon verification, it was found that the registered owner of the vehicle had passed away two years ago, and the car was being used by his family members.

Analysis of call records and route mapping through CCTV footage established that Gaurav Bhardwaj, a resident of Greater Kailash Enclave-I, had taken the car to Dwarka on the night of the incident. Police later found that the accused had replaced the damaged front glass at a mechanic shop in GK-I the next day. The broken glass was recovered on September 20.

On September 22, Bhardwaj was apprehended and confessed to the crime during interrogation. The car was also recovered on his instance, police added.

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*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/delhi-director-of-well-known-institution-booked-for-alleged-molestation-over-15-female-students-recorded-statements

Mumbai News: EOW Probes Ex-Lodha Developers Director Rajendra Lodha For ₹49.22 Crore Transfer, Land Misuse

**Mumbai Police Allege ₹49.22 Crore Transfer by Former Lodha Developers Director**

Mumbai police have claimed that Rajendra Lodha, former director of Lodha Developers Ltd (LDL), transferred ₹49.22 crore to his son Sahil Lodha’s account. Additionally, he is accused of transferring land reserved for a school and college in one of LDL’s projects to a firm where his son was a partner, allegedly without any authority.

**Custody Extended Till September 29**

The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) on Tuesday secured further custody of Rajendra Lodha until September 29. The agency stated that last week they recorded a statement from the company’s vice president. According to the statement, in the company’s Panacea Lodha project, a portion of land was reserved for the construction of schools or a college. However, Lodha reportedly sold this parcel to NBP Edutech LLP, a firm linked to his son.

**Destroyed Financial Records Discovered**

The witness further revealed that upon examining the financial records of Lodha and his family, it was found that Lodha had destroyed all details related to their financial transactions. This act has raised significant concerns among investigators.

**Unauthorized Land Sales Over Years**

Investigations also revealed that over the past 12 to 15 years, Lodha had sold several parcels of company land without having the necessary authority. Authorities allege these sales were conducted for his personal benefit, bypassing proper company protocols.

**Cash Movements Captured on CCTV**

Police stated that Lodha, with assistance from his employees, collected large sums of cash. CCTV footage shows employees carrying bags multiple times—three to four instances—which they later admitted contained cash when questioned by the police.

**Foreign Remittances Under Investigation**

The Economic Offence Wing has also uncovered several suspicious cash exchanges and foreign remittances involving substantial amounts of money. These transactions are currently under further investigation to determine their legality and source.

**Brother Removed Crucial Documents After Arrest**

Following Rajendra Lodha’s arrest, CCTV footage from his residence captured his brother, Deepak Lodha, removing several large bags. Investigators revealed that these bags contained important documents related to financial transactions and land plots, which are critical to the ongoing investigation.

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The investigation into Rajendra Lodha and his activities at Lodha Developers Ltd continues, as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities and unauthorized land dealings.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-eow-probes-ex-lodha-developers-director-rajendra-lodha-for-4922-crore-transfer-land-misuse

Mumbai News: Special CBI Court Sentences Fake CBI Officer To 3 Years In Jail For Duping Businessman And Rakesh Roshan

**Mumbai: ‘Fake CBI Director’ Ashwini Kumar Sharma Sentenced to Three Years in Jail**

In a rare instance, a special CBI court sentenced Ashwini Kumar Sharma, accused of impersonating a CBI director, to three years in jail. The verdict was pronounced through video conferencing on Tuesday.

### Impersonation and Fraudulent Activities

Sharma was charged with duping several individuals, including filmmaker-actor Rakesh Roshan, by posing as a high-ranking CBI officer. The court found him guilty of obtaining Rs 25 lakh from Ismail Merchant to get a complaint registered by the CBI. He even accompanied Merchant to the CBI headquarters and introduced him to an officer who promised to register the complaint.

### Accomplice Already Convicted

Sharma’s accomplice, Rajesh Ranjan, had already been convicted in 2022. Sharma’s case was heard separately as he had fallen into a coma after an accident and was reported to have 85% disability, rendering him immobile. Due to his condition, Sharma was produced via video conferencing from his residence.

### Court Proceedings

The special CBI judge AV Kharkar, in the presence of CBI prosecutor Sandeep Singh and defence lawyers, verified Sharma’s identity before delivering the verdict. The court noted that Ismail Merchant was escorted to the office of a Deputy Commissioner of Police as part of the fake proceedings.

### CBI Investigation and Arrest

During custodial interrogation, Sharma admitted to cheating multiple individuals using this modus operandi. Following this revelation, the CBI issued a public notice inviting victims to file complaints against him. Merchant was among those who approached the agency.

### Background of the Fraud Case

Ismail Merchant runs a construction business named Arsh Constructions in partnership with Fioz Tinwala. Around 2005-06, Merchant alleged that Tinwala transferred vacant flats into the names of his family members and associates, committing fraud. Seeking to initiate a case against Tinwala, Merchant was approached by Sharma who, pretending to be a CBI officer, offered assistance.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-special-cbi-court-sentences-fake-cbi-officer-to-3-years-in-jail-for-duping-businessman-and-rakesh-roshan

ED questions Robin Uthappa in online betting app case

Robin Uthappa Questioned by ED in Online Betting App Case

By Parth Dhall | Sep 22, 2025 | 02:06 PM

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the illegal online betting platform 1xBet. The 39-year-old arrived at the ED Headquarters around 11 AM on September 22, where he was questioned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Investigation into Illegal Betting Platforms

This questioning is part of a broader crackdown on illegal betting platforms and their celebrity endorsers. The ED is currently probing multiple cases involving unlawful betting apps that are suspected of duping investors and users of crores of rupees, as well as evading significant tax payments.

1xBet, a Curacao-registered company, claims to be a “globally recognized bookmaker” with 18 years of experience in the betting industry. The platform offers betting options on thousands of sporting events and is accessible in 70 languages worldwide through its website and app.

Focus on Celebrity Endorsements

The ED’s investigation is focusing on how celebrities, including cricketers and Bollywood as well as South Indian film stars, were approached by 1xBet for endorsements. Authorities are examining the contacts involved in India, the nature of compensation received, and whether these payments constitute “proceeds of crime” under the PMLA.

Since last year, several prominent figures have been questioned regarding their alleged promotion of illegal betting platforms. Robin Uthappa now joins this growing list of celebrities under scrutiny.

Legal Framework: Ban on Real-Money Online Gaming

In response to the rising concerns over illegal online betting, the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, last month. This new law places online gaming under a central regulatory framework and empowers the government to ban real-money gaming platforms.

As a result, many platforms offering real-money games—including Dream11, Games24x7, Winzo, GamesKraft, 99Games, KheloFantasy, and My11Circle—were mandated to cease their operations in India.

The ongoing investigations and new legislation mark a significant step toward curbing illegal online betting and regulating the gaming industry in the country.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/robin-uthappa-questioned-by-ed-details-here/story

22-Year-Old Hyderabad Engineering Student Dies By Suicide After Alleged Ragging, Forced Drinking, And ₹10,000 Extortion By Seniors

A 22-year-old engineering student, identified as Jadav Sai Teja, was found dead in his hostel room at Siddharth Engineering College, Hyderabad. His death has sparked outrage amid allegations of ragging, physical assault, and extortion by seniors.

**Disturbing Last Video Emerges**

According to an NDTV report, before his death, Sai Teja recorded a video in which he appeared visibly distressed and fearful. In the clip, he described being beaten, threatened, and repeatedly asked for money by seniors.

“I was going to college. Four or five people came and threatened me. They are coming and demanding money. They are also hitting me, and I’m very scared. They are coming to me and asking for money, and they are hitting me. What should I do? I’m going to die. Please save me,” he said in the recording.

**Allegations of Forced Drinking and Extortion**

Sai Teja’s family lawyer, Advocate Kishore, claimed that the student was allegedly taken to a bar by his seniors, forced to consume alcohol, and made to pay nearly ₹10,000. According to the lawyer, the constant harassment and financial pressure contributed to Sai Teja taking this tragic step.

**Family Rushes Overnight, Police Begin Probe**

Upon learning of the tragedy, Sai Teja’s family, accompanied by their lawyer, traveled nearly 300 km overnight to Hyderabad. The police have registered a case and are actively investigating both the alleged ragging and the circumstances leading to the suicide.

**Spotlight Back on Ragging in Colleges**

This incident has once again shed light on the persistent issue of ragging in educational institutions, despite strict laws and guidelines aimed at curbing the menace.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help:

**Mental Health Helplines**
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/22-year-old-hyderabad-engineering-student-dies-by-suicide-after-alleged-ragging-forced-drinking-and-10000-extortion-by-seniors

Women practising garba abducted by armed group in MP`s Mandsaur; 7 held

At around 9:30 pm on Saturday, several unidentified men and women entered Bhavsar Dharamshala within Kotwali police station limits, brandishing illegal weapons and forcibly abducted a woman by dragging her into a four-wheeler, an official confirmed.

Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Meena stated that the abduction was carried out by the woman’s relatives, according to reports from IANS. Kotwali station in-charge Pushpendra Singh Rathore identified the arrested individuals as Ramchandra; Manisha, also known as Bunty; Kamlesh, also known as Ghota; Fakirachand; Shambhulal; Shyamabai—all residents of Chachawada Sathiya under Garoth Police Station—and Dinesh from Bhunki Hatunia.

A case has been registered under charges relating to kidnapping, the Arms Act, and other relevant sections. Officials have confirmed that further investigation is ongoing.

The woman was participating in a Navratri celebration alongside other women and young girls when four men and two women suddenly arrived at the venue. Without warning, they grabbed her and began forcibly dragging her away. A young woman who tried to intervene was pushed aside. One of the accused brandished a pistol-like object, causing panic among attendees.

Video footage captured the chaos, showing people fleeing in fear as the woman was taken away, said Kotwali police station in-charge Pushpendra Singh Rathore, according to the IANS report.

Upon receiving the alert, police quickly responded and imposed a district-wide blockade. Within two hours, Kotwali police traced and apprehended all seven accused and safely recovered the abducted woman. The vehicle involved in the abduction and the pistol—which was later confirmed to be a toy—were also seized, police added.

According to the woman’s statement, she had previously been married but left her husband due to repeated physical abuse and had filed for divorce. For the past four months, she had been living with a young man named Yash in Khanpura. Her family and in-laws, reportedly angered by this relationship, orchestrated the abduction to bring her back home.

Local residents have expressed outrage over the incident, especially given its timing during a significant cultural celebration. The event has reignited discussions on personal freedom, family pressure, and the urgent need for stronger protections for women in both private and public spaces.

(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/navratri-2025-women-practising-garba-abducted-by-armed-group-in-mps-mandsaur-7-held-23595111

Osaka High Court Upholds Don Juan of Kishu’s Will

Nozaki, who made his fortune in lending and liquor wholesale, was a prominent figure in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture. He was known for often keeping large amounts of cash and precious metals at his home. In a past interview, he stated, “This watch cost 4.5 million yen. I usually keep around 700 million yen at home.”

After his sudden death from acute stimulant poisoning in 2018, a handwritten will written in red ink was discovered. The will stated, “I bequeath all my personal assets to Tanabe City. Kosuke Nozaki.”

In 2020, Nozaki’s relatives filed a lawsuit contesting the validity of this document. They argued that the handwriting appeared unnatural and that there was no rational motive for Nozaki to donate his entire estate to the city.

However, the Wakayama District Court ruled in June of last year that the handwriting exhibited characteristics unique to Nozaki and judged the will to be valid.

Dissatisfied with the decision, the relatives appealed the ruling, claiming that the signature could have been traced from another document and forged.

On September 19th, the Osaka High Court dismissed the appeal. The court stated that although the signature resembled one on another document, this alone did not provide sufficient grounds to presume forgery. Consequently, the court upheld the lower court’s finding that the will was valid.

The case is further complicated by the circumstances surrounding Nozaki’s death. His then 29-year-old wife was indicted for murder and other charges. However, in December of last year, the Wakayama District Court acquitted her. Prosecutors have since appealed the acquittal, and the legal proceedings continue.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146957.php