Pune: Fortuner Used as Trap, Police Reconstruct Gilbile Murder Sequence
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 15th November 2025: The police have uncovered the motive behind the murder of Nitin Gilbile, confirming that the killing stemmed from a land-related financial dispute. Four suspects have been arrested so far, and according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Maruti Jagtap, the conspiracy to eliminate Nitin had been in the works for nearly six weeks.
Investigators said accused Amit Pathare had recently attempted to “repair” his strained friendship with Nitin in order to gain his trust. Though the two resumed meeting, the old bond between them had quietly collapsed—setting the stage for the planned attack.
How the Murder Was Executed
On 12 November, Amit Pathare, Vikrant Thakur and two others allegedly carried out the pre-planned assault. Two accomplices were first dropped near the roadside. Amit remained seated in his Fortuner, while Vikrant accompanied him to Nitin’s office located near the tin sheds he rented in the Vadgaon Mukhwadi–Alankapuram Road area.
It was Amit’s birthday that day. Vikrant approached Nitin and told him that Amit was waiting outside and that he should come wish him. Trusting the request, Nitin stepped out and walked to the Fortuner, where Amit invited him to sit inside. Nitin entered through the passenger door, unaware of the danger.
Moments later, Amit allegedly loaded a pistol and fired a shot at Nitin’s head at point-blank range, killing him instantly. Vikrant then pulled Nitin’s body out of the vehicle and left it beneath the Fortuner. The accused later regrouped with Akash Pathare and Sumit Patel, who had been waiting nearby, and all four fled the scene around 6 pm.
How Police Tracked Down the Accused
Senior officers and forensic teams reached the spot soon after the crime was reported. DCP Shivaji Pawar, DCP Maruti Jagtap, ACP Vishal Hire and Senior PI Pramod Wagh, along with Crime Branch teams, inspected the location and began coordinating the search.
Multiple police units were deployed in the direction of the suspects’ escape. The Crime Branch and Dighi Police launched an extensive manhunt across nearby routes.
Within hours, the Anti-Extortion Squad apprehended Vikrant Thakur and Sumit Patel at Tamhini Ghat. After sustained interrogation, police traced Amit Pathare to Wagholi, where he was arrested by Dighi Police. The fourth accused, Akash Pathare, was later picked up by Crime Branch Unit 3.
Police said further investigation is underway to recover the weapon used and verify financial documents linked to the dispute.
