FIR in Sena functionary murder names members of gang operated by jailed brothers

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Bhagyanagar police late on Monday night named members of the Mangnale brothers' gang in the FIR registered in the murder of Nanded-based Shiv Sena functionary Aniket alias Sonu Kalyankar on Monday, the fifth killing in the city in three days.According to the police, the Mangnale brothers are allegedly linked to Rinda, a gangster-turned-terrorist believed to be operating out of Pakistan. The brothers, currently lodged in jail, have been accused of orchestrating the murder from behind bars.The FIR, based on a complaint by victim's father Ashok Kalyankar (64), has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 103(1) (murder) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), along with sections 4 and 5 of the Indian Arms Act. "According to the complaint, Sonu was in a relationship with a woman from the Mangnale family, which was strongly opposed by her relatives. Although the woman was later married elsewhere, the Mangnales allegedly held grudge against Sonu," an officer said.Superintendent of police Abinash Kumar said investigators were examining whether the Mangnale brothers ordered the killing from prison and were also probing possible links to the Rinda network. "Both the victim and one of the accused have criminal antecedents. We are investigating the larger conspiracy and the possible involvement of others," he said.The complaint stated that Mukteshwar alias Golu Mangnale and his associates allegedly opened fire at Sonu's residence in 2021. "Though Sonu survived the attack, but the family continued to face threats afterwards, with the accused allegedly warning him of severe consequences," another officer said, citing the FIR.In his complaint, Ashok also alleged that 10 to 12 days before the murder, Sonu was threatened by close associates of Golu. No police complaint was, however, lodged at the time, allegedly due to fear of retaliation.On Monday morning, Sonu reportedly left home around 5am for a walk in the busy Srinagar area. Near Kumar Dresses, he was intercepted by assailants armed with sharp weapons and was repeatedly attacked, suffering grievous injuries to his face, chest, abdomen, back and hands. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.Police have arrested Prasad Shinde, Krishna Jogdand, Ravi Lot and Akash alias Ankush Gandhamwar, who was shot in the leg during a chase after he allegedly attempted to fire at the police team.