Category: local news

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

Cincinnati hosts competition for pothole problem solutions

A Cincinnati man won a competition on Wednesday with his innovative idea to solve the city’s ongoing pothole problem.

His solution impressed the judges and offered a practical approach to improving road conditions throughout Cincinnati. This victory highlights the community’s commitment to finding effective ways to address infrastructure challenges.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/cincinnati-hosts-competition-pothole-problem-025034194.html

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

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

Vasai-Virar News: Tourist Car Trapped by Rising Tide at Kalamb Beach In Nalasopara; Dramatic Rescue; VIDEO

**Tourist’s Car Trapped in Rising Tide at Kalamb Beach, Palghar: Dramatic Rescue Ensues**

Palghar, Maharashtra – On September 20, a tourist’s car got trapped in the rising tide at Kalamb beach in Nalasopara West, sparking chaos and prompting a dramatic rescue effort.

According to locals, the tourist had parked the vehicle near the shoreline while visiting the beach. However, as the tide rose rapidly, strong water currents trapped the car, dragging it deeper into the sea.

Onlookers and villagers quickly rushed to the scene and launched an immediate rescue operation. Using ropes and coordinated teamwork, they managed to pull the vehicle out after considerable struggle.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported despite the extensive damage to the car.

The incident caused panic among tourists, many of whom highlighted the dangers of parking too close to the waterline. Residents also noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past.

Locals are urging visitors to exercise caution and remain mindful of tide timings to avoid such mishaps in the future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/vasai-virar-news-tourist-car-trapped-by-rising-tide-at-kalamb-beach-in-nalasopara-dramatic-rescue-video

Bhopal Rural Police Hold Mock Drills To Control ‘Farmers’ Protest’

**Bhopal Rural Police Conduct Mock Drills to Ensure Festival Preparedness**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a proactive move ahead of the upcoming festival season, the Bhopal Rural Police organized mock drills on Sunday in Itkhedi and Berasia areas to enhance preparedness and coordination.

The exercises were conducted under the direction of Superintendent of Police Ramsharan Prajapati and the guidance of Additional SP Neeraj Chaurasia.

At the Acharpura outpost within the Itkhedi police station jurisdiction, the drill simulated a farmers’ protest demanding higher compensation for crop loss caused by heavy rains. During the simulation, protesters raised slogans against the government. Despite efforts by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to pacify the crowd, tensions escalated, leading to police intervention.

The drill showcased various crowd control measures including tear gas deployment, baton charges, and controlled firing. Two protesters and two policemen were reportedly injured during the exercise and were immediately provided medical aid via ambulance. Following the intervention, the police successfully dispersed the crowd and restored order.

Simultaneously, another mock drill was held at the Berasia police station premises, overseen by the Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP), Berasia, Sarvapriya Sinha, with active participation from local police station in-charges.

In total, 118 police officers and personnel took part in these drills, aiming to strengthen their readiness and ensure effective security management during the festive period.

These exercises reflect the Bhopal Rural Police’s commitment to maintaining law and order and safeguarding the community during large gatherings and events.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-rural-police-hold-mock-drills-to-control-farmers-protest

Gunfire hits ABC studio in Sacramento following ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ suspension

**Gunfire Hits ABC Studio in Sacramento Following ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ Suspension**

Three gunshots penetrated the ABC10 (KXTV) building in Sacramento, California. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.

A window struck by the gunfire has since been boarded up for safety.

As of now, authorities have not released any information regarding suspect vehicles involved in the incident.

The shooting occurred shortly after the suspension of television host Jimmy Kimmel, though it remains unclear if the two events are connected.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/FRED GREAVES*
*Sacramento, California, US, September 19, 2025*
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868142

Gunfire hits ABC studio in Sacramento following ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ suspension

Gunfire Hits ABC Studio in Sacramento Following ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ Suspension

Three gunshots penetrated the ABC10 (KXTV) building in Sacramento, California. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries. At this time, no information has been released regarding any suspect vehicles involved in the incident.

A window struck by the gunfire is now covered with a board at the studio.

Photo credit: REUTERS/FRED GREAVES

Source: Jerusalem Post Staff

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868142

Pune RTO Parking Turns Liquor Den As Alcohol Bottles & Cigarette Packets Shock Citizens (PHOTOS & VIDEOS)

**Pune RTO Parking Area Found Littered with Alcohol Bottles, Raising Concerns Over Official Negligence**

In a shocking revelation, residents discovered the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) parking area and its corners strewn with empty alcohol bottles on Friday. This alarming situation has raised serious questions about the functioning and oversight of officials at the government office.

The RTO premises were not only littered with alcohol bottles but also cigarette packets and other waste, leading citizens to question whether the location was a government office or a liquor shop.

An anonymous RTO employee revealed that some agents regularly consume alcohol and even narcotics within the parking area. Furthermore, due to a lack of adequate security and CCTV surveillance, some outsiders reportedly visit the premises to carry out illegal activities.

Rakesh Pandurang, a regular visitor to the RTO, told the Free Press Journal, “This is the condition of a government building; what message is being sent to the public?”

The presence of alcohol bottles inside a government facility raises serious doubts about the vigilance exercised by senior officials. Residents are left wondering if the authorities are unaware of these happenings or if such misconduct is occurring with their tacit approval.

Responding to the issue, Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, said to the Free Press Journal, “We have submitted written applications to senior officials requesting security staff, but the sanction is still pending. However, we will now file a written complaint with the police to investigate the matter. RTO staff will also conduct checks and take the necessary action.”

The situation highlights an urgent need for increased security measures and stricter monitoring to restore order and public trust within the Pune RTO premises.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-rto-parking-turns-liquor-den-as-alcohol-bottles-cigarette-packets-shock-citizens-photos-videos

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