Pune, 20th November 2024: A Pune court has sentenced six individuals to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹13,000 each for the murder of notorious gangster and union leader Prakash Chavan. The verdict, delivered nearly a decade after the crime, was announced by Additional Sessions Judge AS Waghmare.
The convicted have been identified as Dilip Vitthal Kamble, Anil Laxman Sapkal, Amar Dinkar Shewale, Amol Narayan Shinde, Prakash Singh Chandan Singh Bais and Shyam Chandrakant Jagtap.
Prakash Chavan, who was the president of the Maharashtra State Shramik Mathadi Transport and Suraksharakshak and General Kamgar Union, as well as a criminal gang leader, was murdered on 10th December 2014. The accused reportedly conspired to eliminate Chavan to counter his growing influence and criminal activities.
The group kept Chavan under surveillance, and on the evening of the murder, they ambushed him outside a salon in Purna Nagar. Around 6:30 pm, as Chavan exited the salon, the assailants opened fire and stabbed him with sharp weapons. Chavan’s bodyguard was also injured during the attack. Chavan was rushed to the hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
A case was registered at Nigdi police station under various sections, including murder. The then Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Naik-Patil, along with Police Inspectors RB Unde and Bilal Shaikh, led the investigation. Key pieces of evidence included eyewitness testimonies, a ballistics expert report, and the recovery of three pistols and sharp weapons used in the crime.
Public Prosecutor Maruti Wadekar represented the state and examined 22 witnesses, including three eyewitnesses. Their testimonies, along with forensic evidence, were instrumental in securing the convictions. Court proceedings were supported by Police Sub-Inspector Govind Marbhal and Constable Anil Jagtap.
After nearly a decade, the court concluded the trial and sentenced all six accused to life imprisonment. The verdict brings closure to a case that had loomed over the city for years, highlighting the relentless efforts of the police and judiciary in pursuing justice.
