Sharad Hiraman Mohol, a 40-year-old Pune-based Gangster was shot dead. The incident took place around 1:30 pm on January 6, 2024, at Sutardara Off Paud Road in Kothrud. The victim was tried and acquitted of involvement in the 2012 brutal murder of Indian Mujahideen operative, Mohammed Qateel Siddiqui, in the Yerawada Jail in 2019 by a city court. However, he continued to remain in jail to complete his sentence in a 2010 murder case. He was released in 2021 after being granted bail by the Supreme Court, though it is unclear whether this was related to the 2012 case or another matter.
Within a short duration after the incident, the Pune Crime Branch detained 8 men for involvement in the murder of Sharad. They were arrested between Kikavi and Shirwal on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway. As per statements made by the Police Commissioner to the Times Of India, they recovered three country-made pistols, five cartridges and two cars from the detainees. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister made a statement to the reporters stating that there could be no gang war as the Government takes strict action against goons and “nobody can dare to wage a gang war here”.
The assailants fired four rounds at Mohol after the Gangster stepped out of his office-cum-residence. He was taken to a private hospital initially and then shifted to the Sassoon General Hospital where he passed away. According to residents of the area, it was Mohol’s anniversary that day and he intended to visit the temple but he was shot on his way to his other house in Lane No.29. Several supporters of the victim gathered outside the hospital and contributed to traffic congestion along the stretch.
One’s life is unpredictable. None of us know what would happen the very next moment just like Sharad Hiraman Mohol did not. One moment he was planning out his day and the next moment he was battling for his life. Despite his involvement in cases and murders, Sharad was loved. The area was once infamous for crimes, but petty crimes stopped after the gangsters stepped in and warned people. Sharad will be survived by his wife, son, and brother. Police investigation is ongoing
169
