Pune Gangland: Trial of Gangster Appa Londhe’s Murder Case to be Held Within Prison
By India Crime Correspondent
Pune, 19 January 2021
The impending trial for the murder of notorious gangster and sand mafia operative Appa Londhe is set to occur within the premises of Yerawada Central Prison.
This atypical choice of venue was determined due to security considerations surrounding the 15 accused, who are affiliated with a notorious gang that faces allegations under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Background of the Case: Sand Mafia and Murder
The case revolves around the murder of gangster Appa alias Prakash Haribhau Londhe, executed over a sand dispute in Urali Kanchan on May 28, 2015.
Pune rural police’s local crime branch arrested 15 individuals in 2015, who have since been incarcerated at Yerawada jail. Their charges include sections 302 (murder), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 147 (punishment for rioting), 148 (rioting armed with a deadly weapon) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), alongside relevant clauses of the MCOCA.
Criminal History and Gang Affiliations
Appa Londhe’s criminal journey commenced in the early 1990s with a bootlegging enterprise in Yavat. He assumed control of his brother’s sand mafia operations following his sibling’s murder.
Londhe was slapped with MCOCA charges back in 2004. His criminal record boasts a mix of 46 acquittals and four convictions prior to 2011.
In November 2020, charges were formally framed against 15 individuals, including Santosh Shinde, Nilesh Solankar, Rajendra Gaikwad, Akash Mahadik, Nitin Mogal, Vishnu Jadhav, Nagesh Zadkar, Mani Kumar, Vikas Yadav, Gorakh Kankate, Anna Gawari, Pramod Kanchan, Somnath Kanchan, Ravindra Gaikwad, and Pravin Kunjir.
Security and Sentencing History
Notably, some of the accused have already received life imprisonment sentences in another murder case.
Considering the gravity of their criminal background and potential security risks, orchestrating their transfer to Shivajinagar sessions court for trial poses significant challenges.
The decision to conduct the trial within Yerawada jail has been made to preempt potential law and order disturbances during their transportation.
Intra-Prison Trial and Its Logistics
In light of security concerns, the trial will commence on January 20 in the prison court, overseen by special sessions judge AS Shirsikar.
An internal road facilitates the movement of accused individuals from the prison to the court hall, all while remaining within the prison’s fortified walls.
Special Public Prosecutor’s Insight and Legal Perspectives
Vikas Shah, the special public prosecutor, underscored the notoriety of the accused gang members and their extensive criminal records.
To ensure their security, the trial will be executed within the jail premises. While some of the accused declined video-conferencing, Shah highlighted that these individuals will now be physically presented before the sessions court.
Defence Counsel’s View and Future Proceedings
Advocate Vipul Dushing, representing prime accused Santosh Shinde and Pravin Kunjir, acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by security and technical limitations of video-conferencing.
He explained that while the formal witnesses will testify in the jail court, the trial might shift to Shivajinagar sessions court later.
This pragmatic approach seeks to balance efficiency and the need for a comprehensive legal process.
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