Pune: The Kothrud police on Thursday arrested two alleged members of gangster Nilesh Ghaywal’s gang in connection with two cases registered under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Kothrud police on Thursday arrested two alleged members of gangster Nilesh Ghaywal’s gang in connection with two cases registered under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION))

The arrested accused have been identified as Santosh Anant Dhumal, a resident of Indira Shankar Nagari on Paud Road in Kothrud, and Vipul Uttam Majhire, a resident of Rawade in Mulshi taluka. Police said Majhire is a known sharpshooter.

According to police, in September 2025, members of the gang allegedly opened fire at a man, injuring him, and in another incident attacked a person with a sharp weapon with an alleged intention to kill him. Following the two incidents, police initiated MCOCA proceedings against the gang. Several accused in the cases are still absconding.

The operation to arrest Dhumal was launched after police received information from an informer that he would visit his wife in Kothrud gaothan. After verifying the information, senior police inspector and investigation officer in the case, Arun Ghodke and his team formed multiple teams and reached Gulmohar Society in Kothrud.

Police personnel were deployed at the entry and exit points of the society and near the lifts, while another team began checking flats. During the operation, an accused was allegedly seen trying to flee from a flat. Dhumal was caught while attempting to escape through a window.

During questioning, Dhumal allegedly told police that Majhire was to meet him near Balgandharva Chowk. Police then laid a trap at the location. Majhire arrived to meet Dhumal, was subsequently apprehended, and handed over to assistant commissioner of police Sujata Tanwade.

“Police will continue to trace the absconding accused and take strict action against those involved in organised criminal activities and attempts to create terror among citizens,” said Ghodke.