City based gangster Sharad Hiraman Mohol, aged 40 and a resident of Sutardara, Kothrud, was shot dead on Friday at 1:30 pm in the Sutardara area of Pune city. The assailants, riding on two-wheelers, targeted Mohol due to an ongoing financial and land dispute. Doctors declared him dead during treatment at Sahyadri Hospital.
It was his wedding anniversary today. Recently, his wife and president of Swarad Foundation in Kothrud Swati Mohol joined the BJP in the presence of district Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil.
Police have identified accused as Sahil alias Munna Santosh Polekar, a resident of Sutardara, Kothrud, along with several accomplices involved in the brazen attack.
Mohol, known for his involvement in serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, extortion, kidnapping, and obstruction of government work, had been out on bail in recent months for related offenses. The gangster, staying with his family in the Sutardara area of Kothrud, was attacked by assailants near his residents around 1:15 PM on Friday informed police. The assailants, armed with pistols, opened fire, causing severe injuries. Later on he was taken to the hospital but in some time, Mohol succumbed to his injuries.
Mohol was under watch of accused
Sources reveal that a gang of 10 to 12 individuals, including Sahil alias Munna, had been monitoring and tracking Mohol's movements for weeks leading up to the attack. It was Mohol’s wedding anniversary when he was heading out for the temple but the assailants seized the opportunity and carried out the attack as Mohol descended from his residential building.
Sharad Mohol, who had recently participated in various public events and social programs, was even rumored to be exploring political rehabilitation. His growing influence and potential vote bank made him a subject of discussion among various political groups.
Who was Mohol?
The notorious gangster gained widespread recognition after he was involved in the murder of tsuspected Indian Mujahideen operative Mohammad Qateel Siddiqui. Siddiqui, arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, met his demise in Yerwada Jail on June 8, 2012.
Mohol faced several cases being registered against him in various police stations of Pune city and rural areas, in connection with multiple crimes.
He was acquitted in the murder of suspected Indian Mujahideen operative Mohammad Qateel Siddiqui inside the Yerawada jail.
The Pune Sessions Court also recently acquitted Mohol and seven others in connection with the kidnapping, extortion and attempted murder case lodged against them at the Paud police station in 2011.
A dispute over land and money within his gang is suspected to have led to his killing, the official said.
Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis said it was not a gangwar as Mohol was killed by his own associates.
"As our government knows how to deal with such notorious elements, no one dares to get involved in a gangwar," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
