NAGPUR: In a major development in the firing case at Congress corporator Shubham Motghare’s residence, Nagpur police have invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against seven arrested accused. The move follows an investigation by Crime Branch Unit-5 that allegedly uncovered the involvement of an organised criminal gang.
The seven accused are currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. Police have also alleged that absconding accused Vishal alias Phalli Gupta commissioned the attack on the corporator’s residence. The allegations are subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Midnight Firing at Corporator’s Shravannagar Residence
The incident took place at around 12.42 am on August 26, 2026, in the Shravannagar area under Bhandewadi police station limits.
According to the case details, Motghare was present in the hall on the upper floor of his residence when a gunshot was heard near the gallery. The bullet reportedly pierced the glass installed in the gallery, triggering concern in the locality.
Police subsequently examined CCTV footage from the surrounding area. The footage reportedly showed two youths riding a moped towards Swaminarayan Mandir Road.
Investigators examined the footage and other technical evidence to identify those allegedly involved in the shooting and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Absconding Accused Allegedly Commissioned Attack
According to the investigation, absconding accused Vishal alias Phalli Gupta, a resident of Shravannagar, allegedly hired Ankush and Rishabh to carry out the firing at Motghare’s residence.
The investigation also reportedly identified Ashok alias Baba Yadav, Saheli Pandharam alias Sonu and Aniket alias Annu Bihare in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Police are investigating the alleged roles of the accused, their communications and the circumstances in which the attack was planned. Vishal alias Phalli Gupta remains absconding, according to the available case information.
Three MCOCA Provisions Invoked
Following approval from senior authorities, police have added Sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2) and 3(4) of MCOCA against the seven arrested accused.
The provisions concern organised crime and related liability under the law. Their application marks a significant escalation in the case, although the charges do not establish guilt. The allegations will be tested through the judicial process.
Seven Accused Named in the Case
The seven arrested accused are:
- Ankush Jhanak Tomaskar, 30
- Rishabh alias Rishi Vishal Nagdeve, 24
- Amit Madhukar Thakre, 22
- Kartik Bablu Tomaskar, 26
- Rishabh Bhagwati Pethel, 30
- Ketan Durgaprasad Mate, 24
- Romit alias Phullya Muneshwar Wahane, 21
All seven are reportedly lodged in Nagpur Central Jail, and further legal proceedings will follow under the applicable provisions.
Country-Made Pistol and Live Cartridges Recovered
During the investigation, police reportedly recovered a country-made pistol and live cartridges collectively valued at approximately Rs 60,000.
Investigators are examining the weapon, the alleged involvement of the accused and other evidence linked to the firing incident.
Investigation Transferred to Crime Branch
The case was initially investigated by Bhandewadi police following the August 26 incident. On September 4, 2026, the investigation was reportedly transferred to Crime Branch Unit-5.
The Crime Branch subsequently examined technical evidence and the alleged roles of the accused. The addition of MCOCA provisions has expanded the legal scope of the case.
The investigation now also faces the challenge of tracing the absconding accused and establishing the alleged conspiracy through admissible evidence.
Focus on Absconding Accused
The invocation of MCOCA against the seven arrested accused marks a significant development in the firing case involving a sitting Congress corporator.
The next key developments are likely to concern the search for Vishal alias Phalli Gupta and the investigation into the alleged conspiracy. The accused remain entitled to due process, and guilt can be established only through the courts.
