Nagpur: In a dramatic operation, Nagpur police disguised as truck drivers arrested three suspects early Thursday for the brutal murder of two fruit sellers at a Sakkardara market. The crime branch officers hid inside parked trucks for nearly two hours near Vihirgaon highway, using an accomplice as bait to lure the accused out of their forest hideout.
The Incident
Late Wednesday night, key accused Rishi Puttawar and his gang allegedly killed Aditya alias Sonu Bhondve and Dadu alias Aditya Rahulkar after a heated argument over dues and wages. Puttawar is linked to the 2019 Rishi Khosla murder case and has multiple cases against him.
Police Operation
Police first visited Puttawar's house and found his associate, Niranjan Dalvi, with Rs 10,000 in cash, reportedly meant to facilitate the escape of the double murder accused hiding in a forest near Gargoti Nala. DCP Deepak Aggarwal and senior PI Vinayak Golhe led the late-night operation. When confronted, Dalvi initially claimed he was making a reel, but mobile phone checks revealed calls from Puttawar. Interrogation revealed another aide, Sahil Chowdhury, who provided fresh clothes to the accused, whose shirts were blood-splattered. Another associate, Rachelwar, an accountant, provided logistical support.
The Trap
The police team laid a trap on Vihirgaon highway, using Dalvi to lure the accused with a promise of escape money. Officers positioned themselves inside locked cabins of parked trucks, posing as ordinary drivers. As the three accused emerged from the forest and approached the highway, the cops jumped out and surrounded them.
While Puttawar remains at large, the arrested are Vaibhav alias Dadu Pradeeprao Dongre (30), Vedant alias Dabba Ajay Dabir (20), and Abhishek alias Tatya Uttam Raut (26). They were medically examined and handed over to Sakkardara police.
Investigation
Police sources said fruit seller Aditya Bhondve had earlier threatened and assaulted individuals, and a complaint was lodged. Investigators are probing the conspiracy, possible involvement of more persons, including Puttawar as a potential mastermind, recovery of weapons, and sequence of events.
