Kolhapur : Local crime branch (LCB) on Friday arrested Ganesh Ramesh Khade, the alleged mastermind behind the July 16 firing at Vashi Naka that left Suraj Hanmant Sakhare seriously injured.
Police said Khade admitted his role in the conspiracy during preliminary questioning. The attack occurred near Star Local Market on Phulewadi ring road when two unidentified assailants opened fire on Sakhare. Based on a complaint by Ashutosh Amit Naik, Karveer police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. Acting on a tip-off that Khade would be visiting Kagal, an LCB team laid a trap and arrested him.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that Khade, a resident of Lakshatirth Vasahat, had hired contract killers to target Sakhare. The investigation was later transferred to the LCB under inspector Sushant Chavan on the orders of the SP.
Earlier investigations led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of firearms, ammunition and vehicles used in the crime.