Panic gripped residents of the Kotwali area late Sunday night after alleged drug traffickers fired seven to eight rounds near Navyug School on Kothi Road in an attempt to kill their rival. Investigators believe the attack was not random but part of a long-running dispute over control of the illegal MD (Mephedrone) trade in the city. The spot is barely a kilometre from the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and also close to the residence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Police said the firing appears to be linked to an ongoing feud between the Ghate brothers and the Ganga gang, both of whom are known to police in connection with narcotics-related offences. According to the complaint filed by Saurabh alias Aloo Ghate (27), he was sitting outside his house with his friend Rohan and a few others around 11.40 pm when six men arrived on motorcycles.

 

The accused allegedly included Ganga Kakade, Ravi Mahto, Pratik Kadam and three unidentified accomplices. Witnesses told police that the group stopped in front of the house, challenged Saurabh and then pulled out firearms. Seven to eight rounds were allegedly fired in his direction before the accused fled the area on their motorcycles. “One bullet hit a parked car outside the house. However, no one was injured,” a senior officer from Kotwali Police Station said. The sound of gunfire in the middle of the night caused fear in the locality, especially because the area is considered sensitive and densely populated. The crime spot is located close to the Kotwali Police Station. As soon as police received information about the firing, teams from Kotwali Police Station rushed to the scene along with forensic experts. Officers recovered a spent cartridge from the spot and began examining CCTV footage from nearby establishments and houses. “CCTV footage clearly shows the accused arriving on motorcycles and firing at the location. Based on technical evidence and witness statements, we have detained Pratik Kadam for questioning. Search operation is underway to trace the remaining accused,” another police official said.

 

 

Police sources said Pravin Ghate and his younger brother Saurabh have been under the scanner in multiple narcotics-related investigations in the past. The brothers allegedly operated their network under the cover of a clothing business in the Mahal area. According to investigators, Ganga Kakade was once considered a close associate of Pravin Ghate and allegedly handled the distribution of narcotics for the group. However, relations between them reportedly soured after disputes over money and control of clients. Ganga later started operating independently which led to a rivalry between the two sides. Police officials said the tension between the groups had intensified over the last few weeks. Just a day before the firing, Rohan Maskar, a close associate of Saurabh - was allegedly attacked by members of the rival gang. Officers suspect Sunday’s firing may have been an attempt to kill Saurabh and assert dominance in the area. “The investigation suggests there has been ongoing hostility between the two groups for several months. We are looking into all recent incidents connected to this rivalry,” a senior Crime Branch official said.

 

 

The roots of the conflict reportedly go back to a narcotics case registered in September last year. Police had then arrested a youth named Sanket Bhende in connection with drug trafficking. During questioning, Sanket allegedly claimed that he was working for a person linked to both groups. Following the case, suspicions and accusations between the rival gangs reportedly deepened further. Officials also admitted that the incident has raised serious concerns over the growing narcotics network operating in parts of Nagpur. Questions are now being raised about the effectiveness of NDPS cell of City Police, particularly since several accused named in earlier cases continue to remain active despite repeated police action.