Overview
- Pune’s Anti-Extortion Cell arrested 24-year-old Nilesh Shrikant Gaikwad, who police say supplied the pistol used in the failed hit, after a tip-off in Pisoli.
- Officials said Gaikwad admitted his involvement during questioning, adding a key link in the chain between planners, gun runners, and shooters.
- The case stems from April 16, 2024, when two men on a motorcycle tried to shoot Argade outside his JM Road office, but the pistol failed and he escaped unharmed.
- Investigators allege Argade’s father hired contract killers for ₹75 lakh over a family dispute, with ₹20 lakh paid in advance and ₹5 lakh handed to the shooters.
- Police say they earlier arrested six people and identified ten accused in total, and the Crime Branch is now consolidating evidence and tracking any suspects still at large.