Pune Gangland: Gangster Feroz Bengali’s Varied Ventures in Kondhwa Unearthed
By India Crime Correspondent
PUNE, 16 June, 2009
- Expanded Investigations: Additional Properties Traced to Gangster
- Police Uncover More Holdings Allegedly Seized by Feroz Bangali
- Newly Discovered Properties Linked to Gangster’s Forceful Acquisitions
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Wanowrie Division) Ramesh Biwal revealed on Monday that three additional properties situated in Kondhwa were forcibly acquired by the notorious gangster Feroz Bangali. These findings emerged amidst ongoing investigations against Bangali under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Ventures of the Gangster
As the MCOCA investigations delve into Feroz Bangali’s activities, details have surfaced regarding his diverse enterprises in the Kondhwa area.
It has come to light that the gangster was involved in the operations of a kindergarten, credit cooperative society, and a real estate office.
Stringent Actions against Gang Activities
Earlier, the police had taken action to seal six properties with a cumulative value of Rs 4 crore, which were reportedly obtained through intimidation and coercion.
While the recently identified properties were not explicitly marked for sealing, Assistant Commissioner Biwal refrained from confirming any immediate steps.
Police Extend Support to Witnesses against Gang Threats
In light of the dangers posed by gang influence, Assistant Commissioner Biwal assured witnesses of comprehensive protection under section 19 of the MCOCA.
Witness identities would remain confidential during chargesheet filing, their testimonies would be captured via camera, and punitive measures would target those intimidating the witnesses.
Seeking Judicial Approval for Further Pursuit
Having recently apprehended Feroz Bangali and five accomplices under MCOCA, the police submitted a proposal to the State Law and Judiciary Department in Mumbai.
The objective was to gain permission to approach the Bombay High Court after special court judge S S Gadge’s refusal to extend Bangali’s police custody.
MCOCA Implications on Gang Activities
Feroz Bangali faced the stringent provisions of MCOCA due to evidence suggesting his involvement in an organised crime syndicate operating within Kondhwa.
The gang, including Bangali, purportedly seized properties encompassing flats, shops, and open land, estimated at Rs 4 crore, across Kondhwa and Haveli regions since 2008.
Cases and Arrestees in Focus
Inspector Milind Thosar of the Kondhwa police had registered a case against Feroz Bangali and associates, invoking sections 3 (1) (11), 3 (2), and 3 (4) of the MCOCA.
The roster of apprehended individuals encompassed builder Akram Shaikh (40), painter Yunus Shaikh (28), and drivers Fareed Shaikh (29), Imtiaz Shaikh (24), and Mohsin Shaikh (24), all residents of Kondhwa Khurd.
Bangali’s History
With a criminal history spanning decades, Feroz Bangali had accumulated 31 cases filed against him across various police stations since 1985, including Kondhwa, Wanowrie, Sahakarnagar, Pune Cantonment, Deccan Gymkhana, and Haveli.
While acquitted in some instances, he was facing 11 pending cases in different courts. He had previously faced MCOCA prosecution in the murder case of Fr Neuns, but discrepancies in the evidence led to his acquittal.
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