The Pune Police Crime Branch has made significant progress in the investigation into the murder of former NCP corporator Vanraj Andekar. A 1,700-page chargesheet has been filed against 21 accused, including gangster Somnath Gaikwad and Andekar’s own sister, Sanjeevani, and her husband Jayant. The chargesheet outlines the gang war and property dispute that ultimately led to Andekar’s tragic death in Nana Peth last year.
The chargesheet is filled with statements from 39 witnesses, technical analysis of conversations between the accused, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence. In addition, the Crime Branch has seized eight pistols, seven cartridges, and seven axes believed to have been used in the crime.
It was revealed that the murder was the result of a long-standing property dispute. Sanjeevani’s shop was demolished during an anti-encroachment drive, which she believed was orchestrated by Andekar. Allegedly, she, her husband, and Gaikwad conspired to eliminate Andekar as a result.
The case is also connected to a previous killing in 2023, when Andekar’s associates allegedly murdered Gaikwad’s aide in Nana Peth. In retaliation, Gaikwad is said to have orchestrated Andekar’s murder.
Key findings in the chargesheet include the seizure of weapons such as eight pistols, seven cartridges, and seven axes, as well as the confiscation of seven two-wheelers and three cars. The chargesheet also mentions statements from 39 witnesses, including eyewitnesses, and the involvement of two minors, whose chargesheets were filed separately.
Some of the accused had fled to Mangaon in Raigad district but were later apprehended. The Crime Branch sought three extensions before filing the chargesheet to ensure a thorough investigation, with an additional 90-day extension granted under MCOCA regulations.
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