Pune: Key Suspect in Gaja Marne Case Arrested; Five Cops Suspended Over Jail Transfer Biryani Incident
Pune: Key Suspect in Gaja Marne Case Arrested; Five Cops Suspended Over Jail Transfer Biryani Incident
Pune | May 15, 2025 – The Pune City Police have arrested a key associate of notorious gangster Gajanan alias Gaja Marne, just days after a major controversy erupted over special treatment being given to the gangster during a jail transfer. The latest arrest and suspensions have intensified scrutiny on the police department’s handling of organized crime figures.
Balakrishna alias Pandya Laxman Mohite (40), a prominent member of the Gaja Marne gang, was arrested from Sitaramnagar, Sangli, in the early hours of May 14. His arrest follows an investigation into a case registered under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, and Indian Penal Code sections in Kothrud Police Station (Crime No. 46/2025). Mohite is accused of aiding Marne during his transfer from Yerawada Central Jail to Sangli Prison by following the police convoy along with other gang members and attempting to assert gang dominance. CCTV footage and technical analysis confirmed his role. He has been remanded to police custody until May 17, 2025.
The development comes amid public outrage after a video surfaced showing Gaja Marne being served biryani during his March 3 transfer. It was also revealed that his gang members followed the official vehicle in a luxury car, raising serious questions about internal collusion.
In response, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar ordered the suspension of five personnel, including an Assistant Police Inspector and four constables, involved in the transfer. “We have zero tolerance for anyone assisting or glorifying organized crime, especially from within the police force,” Kumar stated.
Marne was initially arrested following a violent incident on February 19 during a Shiv Jayanti procession in Bhelke Nagar, Kothrud, where IT engineer and Murlidhar Mohol supporter Devendra Jog was attacked. The assault led to MCOCA being invoked against Marne and his gang.
The police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests or disciplinary actions may follow.
