Police Name Mangnale Gang in Shiv Sena Functionary Murder in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In a significant development, the Bhagyanagar police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have officially named members of the notorious Mangnale brothers' gang in the First Information Report (FIR) registered for the murder of Shiv Sena functionary Aniket alias Sonu Kalyankar. This incident marks the fifth killing in the city within just three days, highlighting a concerning spike in violent crime.
Gang Linked to Pakistan-Based Terrorist Rinda
According to police sources, the Mangnale brothers are allegedly connected to Rinda, a gangster-turned-terrorist who is believed to be operating from Pakistan. Despite currently being incarcerated, the brothers have been accused of masterminding this brutal murder from behind bars, raising serious questions about security protocols within the prison system.
FIR Details and Legal Charges
The FIR was filed based on a complaint by the victim's father, Ashok Kalyankar (64). It has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 103(1) for murder and 61(2) for criminal conspiracy, along with sections 4 and 5 of the Indian Arms Act. This legal framework underscores the gravity of the offense and the planned nature of the attack.
Motivation Behind the Murder
Police investigations reveal that the murder may have been motivated by a personal grudge. "According to the complaint, Sonu was in a relationship with a woman from the Mangnale family, which was strongly opposed by her relatives. Although the woman was later married elsewhere, the Mangnales allegedly held a grudge against Sonu," stated a senior police officer. This longstanding feud appears to have escalated into fatal violence.
Police Investigation and Statements
Superintendent of Police Abinash Kumar confirmed that investigators are thoroughly examining whether the Mangnale brothers ordered the killing from prison. "We are also probing possible links to the Rinda network. Both the victim and one of the accused have criminal antecedents. We are investigating the larger conspiracy and the possible involvement of others," he emphasized, indicating a broader criminal nexus at play.
History of Threats and Previous Attack
The complaint details a history of intimidation and violence. In 2021, Mukteshwar alias Golu Mangnale and his associates allegedly opened fire at Sonu's residence. "Though Sonu survived the attack, the family continued to face threats afterwards, with the accused allegedly warning him of severe consequences," another officer cited from the FIR. This pattern of threats suggests a premeditated campaign against the victim.
Events Leading to the Murder
Ashok Kalyankar's complaint further alleges that 10 to 12 days before the murder, Sonu was threatened by close associates of Golu. No police complaint was lodged at the time, allegedly due to fear of retaliation. On the morning of the incident, Sonu left his home around 5 am for a walk in the busy Srinagar area. Near Kumar Dresses, he was intercepted by assailants armed with sharp weapons and was repeatedly attacked, suffering grievous injuries to his face, chest, abdomen, back, and hands. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Arrests Made in the Case
In a swift response, police have arrested four individuals: Prasad Shinde, Krishna Jogdand, Ravi Lot, and Akash alias Ankush Gandhamwar. Notably, Akash was shot in the leg during a police chase after he allegedly attempted to fire at the police team. These arrests are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime.
