Home / Crime and Justice / RTI Activist Ambush: Mastermind Nabbed!
RTI Activist Ambush: Mastermind Nabbed!
12 Apr
Summary
- Five men arrested, including shooter and mastermind.
- Business dispute and RTI complaints fueled revenge plot.
- Victims were shot near a parked car; one is recovering.
Authorities in Navi Mumbai have apprehended five men in connection with the shooting of RTI activist Amit Maurya and builder Sandeep Gavas. The incident, which occurred six days prior in Airoli, saw the victims targeted by a bike-borne assailant. The alleged mastermind, Gurfan Khan, who had a prior business partnership dispute with Gavas, is accused of hiring the shooter, Rahul Sahani.
Gurfan Khan allegedly held a grudge against Gavas for using RTI, with Maurya's help, to expose his illegal constructions. Sahani, who had previously served 11 years for a MCOCA case, was reportedly hired for the contract killing. The operation also involved Sayyad Khan, who allegedly stole the bike used in the attack, and Nagesh Mane, who facilitated the bike's handover and payment. Vishal Mahadik, another arrested individual, provided the shooter with Gavas's location.
The shooting took place on April 6, with the assailant firing four rounds. One bullet struck Maurya in the neck, while others hit the car and a nearby wall. Maurya was initially treated locally before being transferred to Fortis Hospital in Mulund, where he is now recovering. Police utilized mobile tower data along the shooter's escape route to identify and apprehend the suspects, eventually leading to the arrests of all five individuals.
Sayyad Khan faces prior robbery and dacoity charges in Surat. The swift action by the crime branch has brought closure to the investigation into this targeted attack.
