Dreaded criminal Gotya killed

An anxious tranquility prevailed in Bhosari gaon yesterday, as notorious criminal and main accused in the murder of corporator and BJP chief of Pimpri-Chinchwad unit Ankush Landge, Sachin Dhawde alias Gotya was killed by 12-15 unidentified men yesterday.

Representation pic

The assailants, well equipped with sharp weapons and firearms, came in a MUV and attacked Gotya who was sitting with his three friends outside a godown around 11.30 am.

During the attack, one of the assailants Ankush Lakade too was shot and his body was found in the bushes. Cops suspect Lakade might have been shot accidentally by an accomplice. Another person, identified as Sandip Madure, believed to be Gotya's friend, was injured and is undergoing treatment at YCM hospital.

"We suspect that the attack was executed by Landge gang members, who wanted to avenge the death of their leader. Landge was hacked to death by Gotya and his men in 2006," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Shahaji Umap.

Don(E) to death: Police personnel conduct panchnama at the spot where Gotya was killed. Also seen at the spot are swords that were used in the attack. PIC/Sandip Kolhatkar

"The assailants, wearing monkey caps, attacked Gotya with swords on his head, face and fired two rounds at him. After killing him they fled away in the same MUV. However, the dog squad has managed to trace the MUV, which was abandoned in front of Landge's house," Umap said. He added that they have identified some of the assailants and will round them up soon.

Old rivalry
Gotya had killed Landge in November 2006 in Landge vasti after the latter misbehaved with Gotya's sister-in-law. Soon after the murder, Landge's supporters attacked Dhawde vasti and killed two people by smashing their heads and setting them ablaze.

Hero's welcome
Gotya was given a hero's welcome by his supporters last year when he returned from his two-year externment. His convoy, which included 60 two-wheelers,u00a030 four-wheelers and over 100 supporters, entered Bhosari gaon with supporters shouting slogans. Cops had detained 10 persons and seized 15 four-wheelers.u00a0