Nagpur: In a major escalation of its crackdown on organised crime, Nagpur Police have invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against alleged drug peddler Jagdish Vijay Gokhale and five of his alleged associates in connection with last month’s sensational firing on history-sheeter Ajay Chichkhede in Panchpaoli.
The decision to invoke MCOCA, one of Maharashtra’s toughest anti-organised crime laws, is being viewed as a significant move by the city police to dismantle criminal syndicates allegedly involved in gang rivalry, narcotics trafficking and other organised offences.
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According to police, the action follows an extensive review of the accused’s alleged criminal history and their suspected involvement in a series of organised criminal activities extending beyond the attempted murder case.
Police said the July 16 firing at Shanichara Bazaar near Kamal Chowk was allegedly the outcome of a bitter gang rivalry.
Investigators claim that Gokhale suspected Ajay Chichkhede of acting as a police informer and allegedly decided to eliminate him in retaliation.
In broad daylight, members of the Gokhale gang allegedly opened fire on Chichkhede in a crowded market area in what police describe as an attempt to murder him. The brazen attack triggered panic among traders and residents and intensified concerns over escalating gang violence in Nagpur.
Following the incident, Panchpaoli Police launched a coordinated operation and arrested Gokhale along with several members of his alleged gang.
During the investigation, police claim they uncovered an extensive criminal background linked to the accused.
According to investigators, Gokhale has allegedly been involved in the illegal drug trade for a considerable period and operated a network of street-level peddlers engaged in the distribution of narcotics across parts of the city.
Police also pointed to an earlier narcotics case registered around two months ago, when one of Gokhale’s alleged associates was caught selling drugs at Shanichara Bazaar. Gokhale was subsequently named as an accused in that case as well.
Investigators allege that members of the gang were not confined to drug-related offences alone but were also involved in other organised criminal activities.
MCOCA proposal cleared after criminal record review
Following the attempted murder case, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madne directed Panchpaoli Police to conduct a detailed examination of the accused persons’ criminal antecedents and prepare a proposal for action under MCOCA.
Police compiled records relating to previous offences, alleged gang activities and evidence indicating organised criminal operations before forwarding the proposal through senior officers. After receiving the required approvals, MCOCA was invoked against the accused.
The accused booked under MCOCA have been identified as:
• Jagdish Vijay Gokhale, a resident of Tandapeth;
• Ankit alias Bittu Suryakant Chaware;
• Nachiket alias Chhotu Bhanja Keshav Jhade, a resident of Naik Talav;
• Mayur alias Datarya Kishore Aditya, of Bagepura, Shantinagar;
• Rakesh Narayan Bhure;
• Rahul Ramavatar Sirsath, a resident of Maskasath; and
• Chandrashekhar alias Chandu Sadashiv Paunikar (20), a resident of Chakna Chowk, Lalganj.
Police said the investigation is not limited to the firing incident and will also examine the alleged criminal network, financial links and previous cases involving the accused.
Police say preventive measures failed to deter gang
According to investigators, several preventive actions had been taken against members of the alleged gang in the past. However, police claim that the accused continued their criminal activities despite earlier legal action.
Officials said the attack on Chichkhede demonstrated the alleged gang’s continued willingness to engage in violent crime, prompting authorities to invoke the more stringent provisions of MCOCA instead of relying solely on conventional criminal charges.
Senior police officials believe the MCOCA action sends a strong signal to organised crime groups operating in Nagpur that law enforcement will pursue the toughest legal measures against repeat offenders allegedly involved in gang violence, narcotics trafficking and organised criminal enterprises.
Police maintain that the investigation will continue to identify the full extent of the alleged syndicate’s operations and any additional individuals connected to the network. The action, they said, reflects the department’s broader strategy to dismantle organised criminal groups and curb gang-related violence in the city.
