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Nagpur: What initially appeared to be a late-night hit-and-run on Wardha Road has taken a dramatic turn, exposing what investigators now describe as a meticulously planned contract killing targeting one of Nagpur’s most notorious gangsters. The revelations have not only brought a simmering gang rivalry into the spotlight but have also triggered uncomfortable questions over…
Nagpur : What initially appeared to be a late-night hit-and-run on Wardha Road has taken a dramatic turn, exposing what investigators now describe as a meticulously planned contract killing targeting one of Nagpur’s most notorious gangsters. The revelations have not only brought a simmering gang rivalry into the spotlight but have also triggered uncomfortable questions over the handling of the case by Sonegaon police.
The breakthrough came after the Crime Branch arrested five members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the August 11 attack on Sheikh Akram alias Bhuru, 42, a history-sheeter and MCOCA accused. Investigators claim the assault was no accident but a multi-crore “supari” operation allegedly masterminded by another MCOCA accused, Sheikh Sharif, with the support of externed gangster Baba Tiger.
For nearly a week, the incident remained registered as a road accident despite the circumstances surrounding the attack. Sources said Sonegaon police registered an accidental injury case only on August 17, six days after the incident, and the investigation made little progress until the Crime Branch stepped in following a specific intelligence input.
This delay has now come under scrutiny, with investigators questioning why critical evidence was not pursued immediately despite indications that the collision was deliberate.
The investigation gathered momentum under Senior Inspector Shubhangi Deshmukh, while Assistant Police Inspector Chetan Borkhede led the operation that resulted in the arrest of Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Salim (36), Shahbaz Khan alias Salman Billa (25), Amir Sheikh (35), Mohammad Sahil Ansari (24), and Toufeeq Sheikh (28). The accused were later handed over to Sonegaon police for further investigation.
Police have also seized the black jeep allegedly used in the attack. Though registered in Sharif’s name, investigators say it was being used by Baba Tiger, who allegedly drove the vehicle during the assault. Baba Tiger, 27, and his close associate JD remain absconding.
Investigators believe the conspiracy stemmed from an old gang feud. According to police sources, Bhuru had allegedly assaulted Sharif in the past. Though no complaint was filed then, Sharif allegedly vowed revenge and later joined hands with Baba Tiger to eliminate his rival.
The attack unfolded around 11.30 pm on August 11 outside a hotel near Somalwada Chowk on Wardha Road. Bhuru, who had reportedly checked into the hotel despite being externed from Nagpur, was allegedly rammed by the speeding jeep, sending him airborne before he crashed onto the road with severe injuries.
Police investigations reveal the attack did not end with the collision. Believing Bhuru had survived the impact, the assailants allegedly turned back intending to shoot him dead. However, they abandoned the plan after noticing a large crowd gathering at the spot and fled before opening fire.
Bhuru, who sustained critical injuries, continues to undergo treatment at a private hospital.
Crime Branch officers reconstructed the sequence of events by analysing CCTV footage from multiple locations around the crime scene. The footage allegedly tracked the movement of the jeep before and after the attack and helped identify the occupants.
Investigators claim Baba Tiger was driving the vehicle while JD, Toufeeq Sheikh, Mohammad Sahil Ansari and Sheikh Sharif were inside during the operation.
Police are probing whether Bhuru’s movements were leaked by people close to him. His associates, Bhaskar Anna and Anup Bhosale, have come under the scanner as investigators attempt to establish who informed the rival gang about Bhuru’s presence in the city and his exact location.
Bhuru has long remained on the police radar. His alleged involvement in the sensational 2011 Vasantrao Naik slum murder case on Amravati Road had sparked widespread protests and led to the suspension of 11 policemen. Although later released on bail, he was externed from Nagpur but is believed to have secretly returned before the attack.
With arrests made, absconding accused still at large, and questions mounting over the initial police response, investigators believe the case has exposed far more than an attempted murder. It has laid bare an escalating gang war, suspected insider betrayal, and possible lapses in the early stages of the investigation that may now come under greater scrutiny.
Source: Nagpur Today
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