Nagpur: Afzal, infamously known as ‘Anda’, who was previously released on bail under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), has come under scrutiny for allegedly resuming his involvement in drug trafficking and other criminal activities in Gittikhadan. Despite his notorious reputation, limited action was taken against him by the Gittikhadan police, raising concerns about law enforcement’s response to his operations.
Anda’s criminal network was reportedly being run with the assistance of his son, Ashraf alias Ashu, and several accomplices, focusing on the large-scale trafficking of ganja and MD (mephedrone). This operation came to light after the Wathoda police apprehended several of his associates. Those arrested include Kunal Hemne, Vishal alias Phalli Gupta, Sujeet Gharade, and Kuldeep Singh Bawri alias Ravindrasingh Lakhansingh Junni. The police seized two pistols, a revolver, ammunition, and knives from their possession.
The arrests were made following an incident where the gang allegedly threatened a local resident, Arif Khan, with a knife, demanding a payment of Rs 10,000 related to a contract killing. Sources indicate that Anda was the mastermind behind these criminal activities, orchestrating them from his base in Gittikhadan while using his son Ashraf, who has a violent criminal history, as an accomplice. Notably, Ashraf was involved in the brutal murder of a young woman in the past.
The investigation also revealed that one of the arrested individuals, Kuldeep Singh Bawri, operated under the alias Ravindrasingh Lakhansingh Junni. Bawri had a history of criminal activity, including a murder case in Wardha three years ago, and allegedly concealed his true identity from the police to evade arrest. He is currently out on bail.
The gang’s recent activities have fueled suspicions of a broader criminal operation, with authorities speculating that the Rs 10,000 dispute could be a front for more sinister motives. The arrested suspects have reportedly provided limited information about their weapon suppliers, suggesting a deliberate attempt to mislead investigators.
The apprehended individuals are now in police custody until October 19, with authorities intensifying their efforts to interrogate them and uncover more details about the criminal operations linked to the Anda gang. The perceived inaction of the Gittikhadan police in addressing Anda’s activities over the past year has raised questions regarding the handling of the case by law enforcement agencies.
The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle this notorious criminal network and expose its connections, with law enforcement officials pledging to take stringent action against those involved in drug trafficking and violent crime in Central India.
