Pune: Former Political Leader Arrested For Aiding Son In Murder Case
Pune: Former Political Leader Arrested For Aiding Son In Murder Case
Lata Ratan Rokade, 42, who was the city president of a political party’s women’s wing, has been arrested for helping her son commit crimes. Her son, Karan Ratan Rokade, is the main suspect in the murder of Sonya Tapkir in Chikhali in May 2023. In July 2023, the Pimpri-Chinchwad police started cracking down on Karan’s gang, which also involved his brother Ritvik, known as Mungya, and their mother, Lata Rokade. Lata had been avoiding the police and tried to get anticipatory bail, which was denied. She was finally arrested on August 1.
The investigation revealed that Lata was involved in her son’s criminal activities. On May 22, Karan and another person killed Sonya Tapkir. To help them escape, Lata bought a car for Karan and his accomplices to flee to North India and later hid the car in Akola.
The Anti-Gang Unit of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Crime Branch, led by Assistant Police Inspector Harish Mane, caught Karan and his gang near the India-Nepal border, discovering Lata’s role in their escape. Karan and Ritvik each have 11 criminal cases against them Eleven cases at various police stations including Nigdi, Dehu Road, Chinchwad, Chikhali, Ravet, Shikrapur, Nigdi, Chikhali, Chakan and Lonikand. Lata was arrested for helping her sons avoid arrest and escape.
Lata Rokade had to step down from her position after her involvement was exposed. ACP Devidas Gheware warned, “No one should support criminals or help them. Doing so may lead to legal action.”
