Shocking Tragedy in Pune Business Community Kidnapping Turns Fatal Over Ransom Demand

In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through Pune's business circles, a 70-year-old contractor was tragically kidnapped and murdered after refusing a gangster’s demand for an exorbitant ransom. The crime highlights the dark underbelly of organized extortion in the region and the ruthless measures taken when demands are unmet.

The victim, Vitthal Sakharam Polekar, was a well-known government contractor residing in Polekar Wadi near the scenic Sinhagad Fort. On the morning of November 14, Polekar left for his routine morning walk, unaware that it would be his last. According to police, he was forcibly abducted by Yogesh alias Babu Kisan Bhame, a local gangster from Donje village, and his aides belonging to the notorious “B B Boys” gang.

Bhame had reportedly been pressuring Polekar and his son, Prashant, to pay a ransom of ₹2 crores or hand over a luxury Jaguar SUV. The Polekars stood firm in their refusal, a decision that tragically led to Vitthal's abduction and subsequent murder.

Upon realizing Vitthal was missing, his daughter, Sonali, filed a kidnapping complaint with the Haveli police in Pune. The family strongly suspected Bhame’s involvement, given his prior threats. Acting swiftly, law enforcement launched an investigation and apprehended three suspects—one from Pune and two others tracked down in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Their interrogation led investigators to a horrifying discovery. Human remains, believed to be those of Vitthal Polekar, were recovered from the backwaters of Khadakwasla Dam near Osade village. The remains have been sent for DNA testing to confirm the identity, while efforts are underway to apprehend another suspect still at large.

The brutal nature of the crime has left the local community in grief and disbelief. Polekar was regarded as a respected figure in the area, known for his years of service as a government contractor. His death not only marks a personal tragedy for his family but also raises broader concerns about the safety and security of businesspersons in the region.

Superintendent of Pune Rural Police, Pankaj Deshmukh, confirmed that murder charges have been added to the existing FIR. Authorities are intensifying their efforts to ensure justice is served. The incident has also prompted calls for stricter action against organized crime and better protection for citizens against such violent threats.

This case is a grim reminder of the perils faced by individuals who refuse to bow to criminal intimidation. While Pune continues to grow as a hub of business and innovation, this incident highlights an urgent need to address underlying issues of law enforcement and the unchecked power of local gangs.

As investigations continue, the Polekar family and the wider community await justice, mourning a life lost too soon to senseless violence. This tragedy serves as a wake-up call to combat organized crime and ensure that no one else faces such a harrowing ordeal.

What more can be done to safeguard citizens from these threats? The answers may shape the future of safety and trust in Pune's evolving urban landscape.