The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Pune Crime Branch has arrested a wanted accused who had been absconding for the past two years for allegedly supplying a pistol to shooters in a sensational contract killing case, where a father had allegedly hired assailants to kill his own son over a family dispute.
The arrested accused has been identified as Nilesh Shrikant Gaikwad (24), a resident of Sherlyn Avenue Apartments in Pisoli.
According to the information, on April 16, 2024, the complainant, Dheeraj Dineshchandra Argade (38), a resident of Kohinoor Estate Society in Khadki, had filed a complaint at Shivajinagar Police Station. According to police, the incident occurred around 12.30 pm outside Argade Heights on Jangli Maharaj Road, where Argade runs his office under the name DS Argade Promoters and Builders.
On the day of the incident, Argade had just sat inside his parked car and rolled down the window after switching on the air conditioning. At that moment, two men arrived on a motorcycle. The pillion rider pulled out a pistol and attempted to fire at him. However, the gun failed to discharge, saving Argade’s life.
During the investigation, the Crime Branch revealed that a prior attempt had also been made on Argade’s life in the Chatushrungi area.
Further probe revealed the conspiracy by his father. His father had allegedly hired two individuals to eliminate him due to ongoing family disputes, offering a contract of ₹75 lakh. An advance of ₹20 lakh had reportedly been paid, out of which ₹5 lakh was given to the shooters.
Police had earlier arrested six accused in the case and identified a total of 10 individuals involved. Gaikwad, who had allegedly supplied the weapon to the shooters, had been absconding after the incident.
