Pune: In the latest police action, Parvati police apprehended Maddu alias Madwaleyya Hiremath, the leader of the infamous Dharmaraj Chadchan (DMC) gang in Karnataka, along with two accomplices. The operation also resulted in the seizure of three country-made pistols, 25 live cartridges, a vehicle used in the commission of crimes, and five mobile phones, collectively valued at Rs 11 lakh, 90 thousand.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Madwaleyya Panchayya Hiremath (35), Somalinga Gurappa Darga (28), and Prashant Gurusidhappa Gogi (27), all hailing from Karnataka.
Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar, directed the crackdown on illegal weapons and firearms to maintain law and order, particularly in light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Acting on information received by Senior Police Inspector Nandkumar Gaikwad of Parvati Police Station, a meticulous operation was launched.
Gaikwad coordinated four teams comprising police personnel and officials, strategically laying traps from Nagar Road to the Parvati police station limits to apprehend the suspects. The breakthrough came when the suspect was identified near Laxminarayan Talkies and subsequently detained.
Upon searching the suspect, police discovered three country-made pistols and 25 live cartridges from him. Additionally, a vehicle linked to the criminal activities, along with firearms and five mobile phones, were confiscated during the operation.
Delving deeper into the background of the arrested individuals, it was revealed that a feud existed between the notorious Dharmaraj Chadchan and Mahadev Bahirgond gangs of North Karnataka. Notably, Dharmaraj Chadchan met his demise in a police encounter, leading to suspicions of his death being orchestrated by Mahadev Bahirgond’s gang.
In retaliation, Maddu Hiremath, along with his associates, reportedly launched a violent attack in 2020 against Mahadev Bahirgond’s gang, resulting in the deaths of two members. Despite the attempt on his life, Mahadev Bahirgond managed to escape unscathed.
Fleeing from the repercussions of his actions, Maddu Hiremath had been living in the Pisoli area of Kondhwa in Pune with his family for the past two months, fearing reprisals from rival gangs.
Further investigation into the case is being conducted by Police Sub-Inspector Sachin Pawar.