Pune Gang War Escalates: Brother of Vanraj Andekar Murder Case Accused Shot in Balajinagar
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Katraj, 20th May 2026: Pune has once again witnessed firing linked to the ongoing Andekar gang rivalry, after a man was shot in broad daylight in Balajinagar on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Akshay Bapu Mhaske alias Bala (26) of Ambegaon Pathar, was the brother of an accused in the Vanraj Andekar murder case.
DCP (Crime) Gauhar Hasan said, “The incident took place around 10 am near Balajinagar bus stop. He has been admitted in a hospital. Further investigation is going on.”
Additional Commissioner of Police (West Region) Rajesh Bansode said, “Our teams are working on some leads.”
The firing incident in Balajinagar has triggered fresh concerns over escalating gang violence in the city. Police suspect that members of the Andekar gang were behind the murder, raising fears of another round of retaliatory attacks between rival groups.
According to police sources, the rivalry began after the murder of gangster Vanraj Andekar on September 1, 2024. He was allegedly killed over a family dispute and a battle for supremacy. During the attack in Nana Peth, assailants reportedly opened fire on Vanraj Andekar and attacked him with sharp weapons.
In connection with the case, police had arrested Vanraj’s sister Sanjeevani Komkar, brother-in-law Jayant Komkar, Ganesh Komkar and Somnath Gaikwad.
Following Vanraj Andekar’s murder, a series of revenge killings have taken place over the past year. On September 5, 2025, during the Ganesh festival celebrations, Ayush Komkar, son of murder accused Ganesh Komkar, was allegedly killed by members of the Andekar gang in Nana Peth.
Less than two months later, another murder linked to the rivalry was reported. Auto-rickshaw driver Ganesh Kale was allegedly attacked in broad daylight with gunfire and sharp weapons on November 1, 2025, becoming another victim in the Andekar-Komkar gang war.
With the latest killing of Akshay Mhaske, three murders have now been linked to the ongoing rivalry following Vanraj Andekar’s murder. Notably, one of the victims was reportedly Vanraj Andekar’s own grandson.
Police have intensified security in sensitive areas following the latest incident, while further investigation is underway.
