Pune Rural Police Arrest Three for Murder of Car Driver
Pune, 3rd February 2025: Three men from Nashik have been arrested by Pune Rural Police for the murder of a car driver in a robbery attempt. The suspects, posing as passengers, allegedly killed the driver and stole his vehicle.
The arrested individuals are Vishal Ananda Chavan (22), Mayur Vijay Solse (23), and Rituraj Vijay Sonawane (21), all residents of Gangapur Road, Nashik. The victim, Rajesh Baburao Gaikwad (58), was found dead with his hands and feet tied in the Santwadi area in Junnar Taluka on 28th January 2025. The court has remanded the accused to police custody until 7th February 2025.
During the investigation, CCTV footage showed the victim’s car passing through Malshej Ghat and Chalakwadi Toll Plaza towards Nashik with two additional occupants. The stolen car was later found in Kasara Ghat. Police suspected the involvement of Nashik-based criminals and began investigating local habitual offenders.
The accused allegedly strangled Gaikwad, dumped his body in the Santwadi area, and fled with the stolen car. It was revealed that Vishal Chavan and Mayur Solse have a previous murder case registered against them at Gangapur Police Station in Nashik.
The operation was led by Rural SP Pankaj Deshmukh and Additional SP Ramesh Chopade. The Local Crime Branch and Alephata Police Station teams, including Police Inspectors Avinash Shilimkar and Dinesh Tayde, were involved in the investigation and arrests.
