Nagpur: In a major breakthrough in the firing at the residence of Congress Corporator Shubham Motghare in Bhandewadi, the Nagpur Crime Branch has arrested the alleged mastermind, Vishal alias Phalli Gupta, from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, along with his girlfriend. The arrest followed a technical surveillance operation by Crime Branch Unit-5, which tracked the fugitive after he allegedly went into hiding outside Maharashtra.
According to police sources, Gupta was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday and is being brought to Nagpur. Investigators are now questioning him about the firing, his alleged role in arranging the attack and his connections with other accused. His arrest is expected to help the police pursue the remaining suspects and establish the alleged conspiracy behind the shooting.
Contract killing angle under investigation
The firing took place at around 12.42 am on August 26, when a bullet struck the glass panel of the gallery at Motghare’s residence in Shravan Nagar, Bhandewadi. CCTV footage reportedly showed two youths riding away on a two-wheeler after the incident.
Bhandewadi Police registered a case, including charges relating to attempt to murder, and launched an investigation into the attack on the elected representative’s residence.
During the probe, investigators allegedly identified Gupta as the person who had arranged for his associates to fire at the corporator’s house by offering them a contract. The alleged motive behind the attack and the precise role of each accused remain subjects of investigation.
Police have already arrested seven accused in the case: Ankush Jhanak Tomarkar, Rishabh alias Rishi Vishal Nagdeve, Amit Madhukar Thakre, Kartik Bablu Tomarkar, Rishabh Bhagwati Pethel, Ketan Durgaprasad Mate and Romit alias Phullya Muneshwar Wahaney.
The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has been invoked against the accused in the case, according to the information provided by the police.
Investigators are still looking for Ashok alias Babaji Yadav, Saheli Pandharam alias Sonu and other suspects who remain at large. The arrest of Gupta could provide leads regarding their whereabouts and the alleged network behind the shooting.
Drug seizure during hunt for fugitive
The search for Gupta had earlier led the Crime Branch to a flat in Vijaya Apartment in Narendra Nagar, Beltarodi. During the raid, police seized 1 kg and 405 grams of suspected MD (me phedrone), along with other property and material collectively valued at Rs 1,54,50,700.
Five persons were arrested in connection with the drug seizure. They were identified as Shubham Narwaria, Krishna Verma, Toofan Singh Sisodia, Rahul Gond and Aniket alias Annu Bihare, who was reportedly wanted in another MCOCA case.
Police are investigating the possible links between the drug case and the wider network under scrutiny. Gupta’s precise role in the drug seizure and any direct connection between the two cases will need to be established through further investigation.
Rajasthan supply link under scrutiny
According to police, the seized MD was allegedly brought from Rajasthan for sale in Nagpur. Investigators have identified Bhupendra Singh, described as a suspected drug supplier from Rajasthan, as a person whose role is being examined.
Police are also searching for Saheli Pandharam alias Sonu in connection with the wider investigation. A team has reportedly been sent to Rajasthan to trace Bhupendra Singh.
Investigators suspect that members of the alleged network used WhatsApp and Instagram calls to communicate while attempting to avoid police surveillance. The digital trail is being examined to identify contacts, trace movements and determine whether the suspected network extended beyond Nagpur.
Tracked after temple visit
Police sources said Gupta had returned to Nagpur and visited the Koradi temple before travelling towards Rameswaram. The Crime Branch reportedly tracked the bus in which he was travelling and intercepted him during the journey.
His girlfriend, who was accompanying him, was also taken into custody, according to police sources. Her role, if any, in the alleged offences has not been established.
The arrest was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Agrawal and Assistant Commissioner of Police Vaibhav Jadhav.
Interrogation expected to reveal further leads
With Gupta now in custody, investigators are expected to focus on the alleged planning and execution of the firing, the role of the remaining absconding suspects and the financial or personal links among the accused.
Police will also examine his possible connections with the suspected drug supply network and determine whether the two investigations share any common links.
The questioning is expected to provide leads for further arrests. However, the full extent of Gupta’s alleged involvement in the firing and the drug case will depend on the evidence gathered during the ongoing investigations.
