Pune Court Grants Bail to Gangster Gajanan Marne in Organized Crime Case
A special court in Pune dealing with cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has granted bail to alleged gangster Gajanan alias Gaja Marne. The decision was made on Friday in connection with a case of organized crime linked to a violent attack on a software engineer. This techie was reportedly associated with the BJP's online campaign efforts.
The Incident and Political Fallout
The attack that triggered this legal proceeding occurred on February 19 during Shiv Jayanti celebrations at Bhelke Chowk in Kothrud. Following the assault, the case gained significant attention after Union minister of state for civil aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol publicly criticized the city's declining law and order situation. His comments came after he visited the injured software engineer at the victim's Mayur Colony residence on February 20.
In the investigation that followed, the Pune police arrested a total of 10 individuals, including Marne. The police alleged that the four men who physically carried out the attack were connected to the Marne gang. They further described Marne himself as the main instigator of the crime, even though he was not physically present at the scene.
Court's Reasoning for Granting Bail
Special judge S R Salunkhe presided over the case and outlined several key reasons for granting bail. The court noted that the investigation was complete and a chargesheet had already been filed. A significant factor in the decision was an affidavit from the attacked software engineer, which disowned Marne's direct involvement in the assault.
Judge Salunkhe stated, "Considering the complicity of the accused (Marne) to the alleged crime and the assailant who actually assaulted the techie and the techie's affidavit disowning Marne's involvement in the attack, I find no reason to keep this accused behind the bar for an uncertain period."
The court also observed that the crime appeared to lack a motive of monetary gain. This absence raised a reasonable doubt about whether the stringent provisions of MCOCA were rightfully invoked in this specific offense. The judge acknowledged that this legal question is currently sub judice before the Bombay High Court, which is expected to provide an authoritative ruling.
Bail Conditions and Restrictions
The court has set specific conditions for Marne's release. He was ordered to be released after furnishing a PR bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one or two sureties for a similar amount. In a significant restriction, Special judge S R Salunkhe has barred Marne from entering the Pune Municipal Corporation limits. This restriction will remain in effect until the Bombay High Court decides on Marne's petition, which seeks to quash the First Information Report (FIR) registered against him.
