In a shocking case from Maharashtra, a 26-year-old man who went missing in December was found murdered, with his body burnt inside a tyre in an attempt to destroy evidence. The Ahilyanagar police, after an intense 15-day manhunt across multiple cities, have arrested four individuals, including a hardened criminal with a long history of serious offences.
The Disappearance and Grisly Discovery
Sachin Gidhe, a resident of Rahata taluka, left his home on December 10, 2025, to visit an eatery in Shirdi but never returned. His worried wife subsequently approached the Rahata police, leading to the registration of a missing person's case under BNS section 137(2). What began as a search for a missing person soon turned into a murder investigation.
Police revealed that Gidhe was allegedly abducted and murdered by his acquaintances. The motive, according to authorities, stemmed from suspicion that the victim was having an affair with a woman known to the key accused. Superintendent of police Somnath Gharge stated that the accused killed Gidhe and then used a tyre and diesel to burn the body in a brutal attempt to eliminate evidence.
The 15-Day Manhunt and Arrests
A special team from the local crime branch was formed to crack the case. Led by police inspector Kiranmumar Kabadi, the team pursued the suspects across Pune, Nashik, Kharghar in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Malegaon. The breakthrough came with a specific tip-off, leading to the apprehension of the prime accused and an aide from a stone quarry in the Mendhwan area of Sangamner.
The prime accused, Deepak Pokle (34), is described as a notorious history-sheeter who has spread terror in the Shirdi, Rahata, Loni, Sangamner, and Kopargaon areas. Shockingly, he has 17 serious offences registered against him, including charges of murder, attempt to murder, dacoity, robbery, and violations under special laws.
His arrested associates in this case are Ganesh Darekar, Pravin (alias Pachas Waghmare), and Krishna Waghmare. Notably, Pachas Waghmare remains at large and is currently on the run.
Confession, Seizures, and Police Appeal
During interrogation, Deepak Pokle allegedly confessed to the murder and the subsequent disposal of the body. The police investigation also uncovered that the murder plot involved underlying financial disputes alongside the personal motive.
From the accused, the police have seized significant evidence, including an unregistered SUV valued at approximately Rs 15 lakh, believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, and three mobile phones worth Rs 72,000.
The arrested individuals were produced before the Rahata police for further investigation. In a related development, the Ahilyanagar police have made a public appeal, urging citizens to come forward if Deepak Pokle had sought extortion or committed any other offences against them in the district.
This gruesome case highlights the challenges of tackling repeat offenders and the lengths to which criminals go to cover their tracks. The police's sustained technical and field-level investigation was crucial in bringing the perpetrators to light.
