Five Cops Suspended In Pune After Gangster Served Biryani During Prison Transfer

Police have charged Marne and his associates under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the case.

Representational Image | An Assistant Police Inspector and four constables were suspended in Pune after gangster Gaja Marne received biryani during his prison transfer.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

An Assistant Police Inspector (API) and four constables in Pune have been suspended after revelations that gangster Gajanan alias Gaja Marne was served biryani during his transfer from Yerawada Central Prison to Sangli Prison in March this year. The Gaja Marne gang was also arrested by the Pune police on Wednesday.

Marne had been taken into custody by Pune City police in connection with a February 19 assault on IT engineer Devendra Jog, a supporter of Murlidhar Mohol, during a Shiv Jayanti procession at Bhelke Nagar in Kothrud, according to a report by the Indian Express.

Police have charged Marne and his associates under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the case. He was transferred to Sangli Prison from Yerawada on March 3, citing security concerns.

Meanwhile, a video of Marne has also surfaced on social media showing him being served biryani during the transit to Sangli. From the investigation, it has also been disclosed that some aides of Marne had followed the police van in a luxury car.

“We have a very clear policy. Any gangster or criminal who tries to interfere with the law, we will take the strongest possible action against them. MCOCA had already been invoked against the said gangster. He had resorted to some actions. To that end, an officer of API rank and four constabulary staff have been suspended. Those who aid accused under MCOCA are being booked under MCOCA. Those who provided food and those who followed him in a car, have been booked under MCOCA. Those who try to glorify criminals, stringent action awaits them. This should also act as a message to other so-called gangsters and criminals on record," Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said on Wednesday.

Police Arrest Member Of Marne Gang

The Pune City police have also arrested a 40-year-old active member of the Marne gang, identified as Balkrushna Laxman Mohite alias Pandya, in connection with the incident during the transit. He has been booked under MCOCA, and the police custody was remanded till May 17.

Gangster Gajanan Marne, who faces nearly 30 serious criminal charges, made headlines in February 2021 when a grand rally featuring dozens of luxury cars was held in his honour on the Mumbai Expressway following his release from Taloja prison.

Marne had been acquitted along with 13 associates due to a lack of evidence in the murder case of rival gang member Santosh Hiraman Gawade alias Pappu, leading to his release.

In response to the highway rally, Pune police arrested over 100 individuals, including several members of Marne's gang and supporters. Nearly 30 luxury vehicles involved in the procession were also impounded.

Facing widespread criticism, Maharashtra Police registered multiple cases against Marne and his associates across jurisdictions, including Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, Raigad, and Navi Mumbai. Another case was filed over the circulation of social media content that glorified Marne following his release.