Pune,India – In a decisive move against organized crime,the Pune City Police apprehended Gajanan aka Gajya Marne on February 24,2025,following a violent assault on a computer engineer in Kothrud. The arrest of Gajanan Marne comes after Devendra Jog was assaulted on February 19, prompting authorities to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime act (MCOCA). This action signals a determined effort to dismantle Marne’s gang and curb its criminal activities in the region.

The assault on Devendra Jog in Kothrud brought renewed scrutiny to the Marne gang’s operations, demanding immediate action from law enforcement. The incident underscored the gang’s persistent presence and influence in the area, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among residents. The invocation of MCOCA highlights the gravity with which the police are treating the case, granting them expanded powers to investigate and prosecute those involved in organized crime.This act allows for stricter measures, including extended detention periods and enhanced surveillance capabilities, to effectively combat the gang’s activities.

Pune City Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar addressed the media,outlining the extensive steps being taken to dismantle the Marne gang’s network and reassure the public. He emphasized the unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Pune residents, stating that no stone would be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Kumar revealed that authorities are actively gathering information on properties and vehicles linked to Marne and his associates, aiming to disrupt their financial infrastructure and cripple their ability to operate.

We are taking steps to break the terror of the Marne gang in Kothrud.
Amitesh Kumar,Pune City Commissioner of Police

To facilitate the filing of complaints against the gang and encourage community cooperation,a special cell will be established within the Crime Branch. Deputy Commissioner of Police Nikhil Pingle, who is in charge of the Crime Branch, will oversee the cell, ensuring that all complaints are thoroughly investigated and addressed. Commissioner Kumar assured that the identities of complainants would be kept strictly confidential,encouraging victims and witnesses to come forward without fear of reprisal. This measure aims to build trust between the police and the community, fostering a collaborative surroundings to combat crime.

In addition to Gajanan Marne,police have apprehended three other individuals allegedly involved in the assault on Devendra Jog: Om Tirtharam Dharmajidnyasu,35; Kiran Kondiba Padwal,31; and Amol Vinayak Tapkir,35. A fourth suspect, Shrikant alias Babya Sambhaji Pawar, remains at large, and authorities are actively pursuing his apprehension. Authorities have indicated that the arrested individuals have prior records of serious criminal activity, underscoring the gang’s history of violence and lawlessness. These arrests demonstrate the police’s commitment to holding all those involved accountable for their actions.

Initially, the police registered a case of minor assault following the attack. Though, this drew criticism from the public and media, prompting commissioner Kumar to order a more thorough inquiry and stricter action. The Crime Branch later conducted searches at 74 locations, including Marne’s residence on Paud Road in Kothrud, demonstrating the scale of the police operation and their determination to dismantle the gang’s network. These searches aimed to gather evidence, identify additional suspects, and disrupt the gang’s operations.

The investigation is leveraging modern forensic techniques, with police analyzing mobile phone data and CCTV footage to gather evidence and identify additional suspects. This technological approach allows for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the events leading up to the assault and the involvement of various individuals. Commissioner Kumar also issued a direct appeal to gang members, urging them to abandon their criminal activities and reintegrate into mainstream society. He warned that those who continue to disrupt law and order in the city will face severe consequences, emphasizing the police’s zero-tolerance policy towards criminal behavior.

commissioner Kumar addressed concerns about the city’s law and order situation during an interaction with journalists organized by the Pune Shramik Patrakar sangh. The open dialog reflects a commitment to openness and accountability in addressing crime and ensuring public safety. This interaction provided an opportunity for the media to ask questions, raise concerns, and gain a better understanding of the police’s strategies and efforts to combat crime in Pune.

Looking Ahead

The arrest of Gajanan Marne and the invocation of MCOCA represent a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in Pune. The establishment of a dedicated cell for complaints and the commitment to protecting the identities of complainants are crucial measures in fostering trust and encouraging community involvement in law enforcement. The investigation remains active, with authorities pursuing all leads to bring those responsible for the assault on Devendra Jog and other crimes to justice. The focus on disrupting the gang’s financial network and urging members to abandon criminal activity underscores a comprehensive approach to dismantling the Marne gang and ensuring the safety and security of Pune residents.

Is the use of the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against the Gajanan Marne gang a watershed moment in pune’s fight against organized crime, or just another chapter in a long-running saga?

Dr. Anya Sharma, Expert in Indian Criminal Justice & Organized Crime, offers insights into the complexities of this situation: “The invocation of MCOCA against the Marne gang is undoubtedly a notable advancement, but whether it marks a watershed moment remains to be seen. While MCOCA provides powerful tools to dismantle organized crime networks—allowing for longer pre-trial detention, stricter sentencing, and more extensive investigative powers—its effectiveness hinges on consistent and robust implementation. Past experiences with MCOCA have shown that its success relies heavily on effective examination, prosecution, and judicial oversight. The Marne case presents an opportunity to assess MCOCA’s enduring impact in combating the deeply rooted complexities of organized crime in urban India.”

Addressing the challenges in effectively using MCOCA, Dr. Sharma highlights several key elements. “The effective use of MCOCA requires several key elements. Firstly, thorough investigations are crucial to build strong cases that withstand legal scrutiny and stand up to the scrutiny of higher courts. Secondly, efficient prosecution ensures convictions are secured. Thirdly, there must be effective witness protection programs, as cooperation is vital in breaking down criminal hierarchies. Witness intimidation, unluckily, remains a significant hurdle in cases involving organized crime. Judiciary cooperation and consistent sentencing are necessary to send a strong message about the consequences of engaging in organized crime. in the Marne case, the establishment of a dedicated complaint cell and the guarantee of witness anonymity represent significant steps towards overcoming these challenges, yet sustained effort is essential.”

Comparing the Marne gang case to other notable organized crime cases investigated using MCOCA in india, Dr.Sharma notes, “Several MCOCA cases across different states highlight both the successes and limitations in tackling well-established organized crime syndicates. The D-company case, involving Dawood Ibrahim, demonstrates the long-term challenges—for decades law enforcement has been seeking his extradition and dismantling his network. Comparing the Marne case to these other high-profile cases helps us understand the complex nature of this crime type. The Marne gang, though significant in Pune, operates on a perhaps smaller scale compared to nationwide networks. This difference impacts investigation scope,resources allocated,and the overall legal challenges in obtaining successful prosecutions. The Pune police’s commitment to addressing the Marne gang’s financial network — seizing assets and disrupting resources—demonstrates an approach learned from previous cases.”

Regarding the long-term implications of this crackdown for crime prevalence and public safety in Pune, Dr. Sharma emphasizes, “The success of the operation relies on three factors: the severity of the imposed punishments, continuous monitoring to prevent the Marne gang from reorganizing and operating under different guises, and proactively addressing underlying social and economic factors responsible for the environment where such crime can thrive. The long-term impact also depends on the Pune Police’s ability to maintain this momentum and integrate community policing strategies that encourage public trust and collaboration. A stronger and more collaborative relationship between the police and the community is vital to creating a lasting impact on crime and disorder. This includes not just reactive policing, but also preventative measures such as community outreach programs and addressing the root causes of crime.”

Dr. Sharma offers several recommendations for law enforcement and policymakers looking to improve the effectiveness of anti-organized crime strategies in India:

• Strengthen witness protection programs: Create reliable and effective systems to shield witnesses from intimidation and violence.
• Invest in advanced forensic technologies: Equip law enforcement agencies with modern tools and techniques for investigation.
• Enhance inter-agency coordination: Facilitate greater collaboration between police forces,intelligence agencies,and other relevant authorities.
• Promote community policing: Cultivate strong and trusting relationships between law enforcement and the community.
• Address socio-economic factors: Implement comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of crime, inequality and poverty.

Dr. Sharma states, “While the arrest of Gajanan Marne and the submission of MCOCA is a significant step, sustained effort is absolutely crucial. The long-term success hinges on effective law enforcement, judicial processes, and addressing the complex social and economic factors that contribute to the proliferation of organized crime.”

What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below – Let’s discuss ways to strengthen the fight against organized crime in India and beyond!