Gangster’s Associate Arrested After Shooting Student in Pune

A 40-year-old man, identified as Ravindra Ghare, was arrested by the Pimpri Chinchwad crime branch in connection with the shooting of a 20-year-old student on August 1, 2023. The incident occurred at a grocery store in Pimpri market, where the victim, Bhavesh Kukarani, was working. Ghare, an associate of a notorious gangster from Mumbai, attempted to rob Kukarani as he was manning his father’s store.

According to Shashikant Mahavarkar, Joint Commissioner of Police for Pimpri Chinchwad, Ghare is linked to at least 25 criminal cases. Reports indicate that financial difficulties prompted him to commit the robbery. During the attempted theft, Kukarani resisted Ghare’s efforts to snatch his gold chain, leading to the suspect firing a shot.

Ghare entered the store wearing a helmet and a raincoat, asking for a mango drink. When Kukarani stepped away from the counter to retrieve the drink, Ghare attempted to seize his gold chain. Kukarani’s resistance prompted Ghare to brandish a firearm, eventually leading to a struggle for the chain. Despite Ghare’s threats, Kukarani managed to hold onto part of the chain, but the suspect successfully snatched away half of it.

As the confrontation escalated, Kukarani pushed Ghare out of the store. In response, Ghare fired a shot at Kukarani before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. Fortunately, Kukarani survived the encounter without life-threatening injuries.

Investigation and Arrest

Following the incident, the Pimpri Chinchwad police launched a comprehensive investigation. Vinoy Kumar Choubey, the Commissioner of Police, deployed ten teams to apprehend the suspect. Inspector Vijay Dhamal led efforts to review CCTV footage from the area. The analysis revealed that Ghare switched motorcycles multiple times while escaping.

The police tracked Ghare’s movements to the Chikhali area, known for its dense population. Utilizing his physical description, officers identified Ghare and arrested him on August 6, 2023. During questioning, he admitted to his involvement in the shooting incident.

Inspector Dhamal reported that the investigation also led to the recovery of Kukarani’s gold chain, a country-made pistol, 11 cartridges, and two stolen motorcycles from Ghare’s possession. The swift action by law enforcement highlights ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety in the region.

As the case develops, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in preventing similar incidents. The police encourage anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward.