Nagpur: The Crime Branch investigation into the firing at the residence of Congress corporator Shubham Motghare has revealed that notorious drug smuggler Vishal Gupta alias ‘Phalli’ allegedly offered a ₹4 lakh deal to carry out the attack.
Police have arrested seven persons in connection with the case — Ankush Tomaskar, Amit Thakre, Rishi Nagdive, Romit alias ‘Pulya’ Wahane, Ketan Mate, Rishabh Paithal and Kartik Tomaskar.
According to the investigation, Ankush allegedly owed around ₹4 lakh to Phalli and had been avoiding repayment. Phalli allegedly offered to waive the debt if Ankush carried out the firing at Motghare’s residence. Police said Ankush agreed to the plan for this reason.
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Conspiracy allegedly hatched at ‘Bawaji’s’ office
Investigators have also found that the alleged conspiracy was discussed at the office of Ashok Yadav alias ‘Bawaji’, described by police as a gambling kingpin. Phalli was allegedly present during the meeting.
Bawaji has also been named as an accused in the case. Both Phalli and Bawaji are currently absconding, and police teams are searching for them.
Investigators expect further details about the planning, motive and criminal network involved in the attack to emerge following their arrests.
Police examining criminal records
The Crime Branch is also examining the criminal histories of all the accused. Police said several serious cases have previously been registered against Phalli, Bawaji, Ankush and their associates.
A senior police officer said that, considering the alleged organised criminal activities of the group, action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) will be initiated against Phalli and Bawaji’s gang.
