SPCA finds over 300 cats crammed inside 3 BHK home

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Pune district, on Friday served notice to a pet owner to shift over 300 cats from her residence to an alternative location within 48 hours.

- Vicky Pathare

PUNE: Pune city crime branch on Friday filed a 1,700-page charge sheet against 21 accused in connection with the murder of former municipal corporator Vanraj Andekar. The case has seen the recording of statements from 39 witnesses, with strict legal actions underway.

The dispute began when the Pune Municipal Corporation's encroachment department took action against a general store in the Nana Peth area owned by Sanjivani Komkar. It was suspected that this move was made under the influence of Vanraj Andekar. Additionally, Sanjivani Komkar, Jayant Komkar, Ganesh Komkar, and Prakash Komkar had a long-standing property dispute with Andekar's family, which allegedly fueled their anger.

Adding to the tension, in 2023, members of the Andekar gang, including Krishna Andekar, allegedly killed Nikhil Akhade, a key member of Somnath Gaikwad's gang. Seeking revenge, Gaikwad and the Komkar family allegedly conspired to eliminate Vanraj Andekar.

On September 1, 2024, Andekar was shot dead by Akash Mhaske, Vivek Kadam, Tushar Kadam, and Sameer Kale while nine other accused stabbed him with a koyta.

During the police investigation, police recovered 7 pistols, 13 live cartridges, 7 machetes, 7 motorcycles, and 3 four-wheelers from the accused used during the crime.

Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Ganesh Ingle and his team filed the charge sheet under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) on Friday.

PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had received a series of complaints from society residents following which an inspection was carried out on Thursday and the notice was issued the day after, SPCA officials said.