Pune: Notorious Gangster Nilesh Ghaywal Fools Authorities, Flees to Switzerland

Pune, 4th October 2025: Notorious gangster Nilesh Ghaywal has reportedly escaped to Switzerland after deceiving the police and passport authorities by altering the spelling of his surname from ‘Ghaywal’ to ‘Gaywal’. Investigations revealed that he submitted a false affidavit at the passport office, claiming he had no criminal record. Pune police have now initiated the process to cancel his passport.

A Pune police team raided Ghaywal’s residence in Ahilyanagar on Thursday but found no one at the address. While applying for a passport, Ghaywal had provided his Ahilyanagar address instead of his actual residence in Kothrud. The Ahilyanagar police did not find any record of a person named ‘Gaywal’ in the ‘CCTNS’ system, leading them to mark the police verification as clear.

Ghaywal applied for the passport on 23 December 2019, and it was issued the very next day, 24 December. Investigation revealed that the passport was delivered by the postal department to the address in Jamkhed.

Further inquiries showed that ‘Gaywal’ is also mentioned on his Aadhaar card and other identity documents. Police have found documents indicating that he deliberately changed his name and even used the altered spelling in court filings. Based on the report stating no criminal record and verification through his Aadhaar card, the passport office issued the passport.

Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar stated, “Nilesh Ghaywal submitted a false affidavit at the passport office claiming he had no criminal record. Strict action is being taken against him. His passport will be cancelled, and his bank accounts and illegal assets are being frozen.”

The police are continuing their investigation to track his movements and uncover any accomplices who may have aided his escape.