Pune: Four Members of Andekar Gang Arrested for Extortion from Ganesh Peth Fish Market Vendors
Ganesh Peth, 24th September 2025: The Pune Police have arrested four members of the Andekar gang for allegedly collecting monthly extortion payments (hafta) ranging between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 from vendors at the Ganesh Peth fish market.
The arrests follow the registration of a case at Faraskhana police station against gang leader Bandu Andekar and 11 others for allegedly extorting nearly Rs 20 crore over the past 12 years.
The arrested accused have been identified as Shekhar Dattatray Ankush, Manish Vardekar, Sagar Balkrishna Thopte, and Rohit Sudhakar Bahaddurkar. Police have also named Sonali Andekar, wife of former corporator Vanraj Andekar, as an accused in the case.
Investigation into Financial Network
According to police, after the murder of Ayush Komkar, action was taken against the Andekar gang under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Investigators later began tracing the gang’s financial support system. During the probe, the bank accounts of Bandu Andekar and his close aides were frozen. Officials said Rs 50 lakh in cash was found in one account. Additionally, police seized 77 tolas of gold, jewellery, a car, and land transaction documents from Andekar’s residence.
Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma said that Bandu Andekar had amassed assets worth crores but had never paid income tax. “Correspondence has been initiated with the Income Tax Department to take necessary action,” Sharma confirmed.
Complaints from Vendors
Police said that vendors at the Ganesh Peth fish market were routinely forced to pay the gang to continue their business. Following an appeal by the Faraskhana police, 60 to 65 vendors came forward and lodged formal complaints detailing the extortion practices.
Civic Action Against Illegal Structures
Meanwhile, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) teams, with police support, also took action against illegal constructions attributed to the gang in Nana Peth. Structures such as steps and arches erected in the name of the Andekar gang were demolished on Tuesday.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the gang’s extortion operations and financial dealings.
