**Pimpri-Chinchwad: SIT Formed to Probe Assassination Plot Against Maval MLA Sunil Shelke**
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to conduct a detailed probe into the recently uncovered conspiracy to assassinate Maval MLA Sunil Shelke of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), officials announced on Thursday. The SIT will also investigate the rising crime rates in the Talegaon Dabhade area of Maval Taluka, Pune District.
The primary objective of the SIT is to identify the mastermind behind the alleged assassination plot targeting MLA Shelke. Formed by the state government, the team is headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishal Gaikwad, who oversees Zone 2 of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police.
### SIT Team Composition
Alongside DCP Vishal Gaikwad, the SIT includes:
– ACP (Crime 1) Dr. Vishal Hire
– Talegaon Dabhade Police Station Incharge, Senior PI Kanhaiya Thorat
– Anti-Gunda Squad Incharge, API Harish Mane
– API Ambarish Deshmukh
– PSI Ravindra Khamgal
– Police Constables Ankush Lande, Sachin Bembale, and Sunil Sagar
### Arrests and Seizures
The Pimpri-Chinchwad police have arrested seven suspects involved in the conspiracy. Authorities seized nine pistols, 42 cartridges, and several koytas during the operation. The arrested individuals are notorious criminals from Pune, Jalna, and Madhya Pradesh with past records involving serious offenses such as murder, extortion, vandalism, arson, and illegal possession of firearms.
Reports reveal that police initially detained two suspects and recovered four pistols. Subsequently, three more suspects were arrested, with five pistols and additional cartridges seized. Furthermore, two financiers backing the gang have also been apprehended.
The culprits reportedly traveled to Madhya Pradesh to procure weapons from a well-known criminal named Devraj, originally from Uttar Pradesh. A formal complaint has been lodged concerning this matter.
### MLA Sunil Shelke’s Statements and Assembly Demand
During the last monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, MLA Sunil Shelke alleged that the suspects, after being released on bail, were again active in the Talegaon region. On July 4, speaking in the Assembly, he called for a detailed discussion and the formation of an investigation team.
Following his demand, Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, assured that a comprehensive inquiry would be conducted through an SIT. Acting on this assurance, the SIT was constituted and will now focus on uncovering the mastermind behind the assassination plot, as confirmed by Pimpri-Chinchwad police officials on Wednesday.
### Remarks from MLA Sunil Shelke and DCP Vishal Gaikwad
MLA Shelke commented on the ongoing investigation:
“I will provide all the information I have about the incident to the committee. The committee should conduct a thorough investigation into the entire case and identify the root cause.”
He further urged the SIT to take stringent action to control the increasing crime in the Talegaon area.
DCP Vishal Gaikwad stated:
“A committee has been formed to conduct further investigations into previously registered offenses in Talegaon Dabhade and to probe thoroughly whether anyone else is directly or indirectly involved. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Chief has entrusted me with the responsibility of guiding this committee.”
The SIT’s formation marks a critical step towards addressing both the assassination plot and the broader challenges of rising crime in the region. Authorities remain committed to ensuring peace and security in Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding areas.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-maharashtra-government-constitutes-sit-to-investigate-ncp-mla-sunil-shelke-murder-conspiracy