Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of farmer Chandrakant Shinde has arrested nine people so far, including the alleged prime accused, finance operators, a partner and a manager linked to a microfinance firm.
They were identified as Harpreet Singh, alias Gandu (40), a finance operator from Abchalnagar in Nanded; Satpal Singh Khalsa (47), a finance operator and secretary of Kuberfal Credit Society; and Sheikh Shoeb Sheikh Mehmud (21), an employee allegedly associated with Khalsa Finance. Earlier, police had arrested Jaykumar alias Shera Bhagwan Gaikwad (22), Sheikh Amer Sheikh Saheb Hussain (25), Ian Khan (40) and Sheikh Mudassir Sheikh Khadir (24) on Oct 26. KF Finance partner Sheikh Ahmed alias Aslam Mohammed Bashir (38) and manager Sumedh Shekojirao Doibale (21) were arrested a day later. The first four accused have been remanded in police custody till Thursday, while Ahmed and Doibale have been sent to police custody till Oct 31. The case was registered at Vazirabad police station on Oct 24 after Shinde’s wife lodged a complaint. Police invoked charges under sections 103(1), 140(1), 140(2), 142, 127(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They should immediately approach the nearest police station or call the emergency helpline 112.
Strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible,” said Nanded superintendent of police Neelabh Rohan. Police said the investigation is focused on the role of those associated with the finance operations and the circumstances that led to Shinde’s death. Shinde’s body was found at the office of KF Enterprises near Hingoli Gate bridge in Nanded city last week. Police have registered a case of murder and kidnapping against the finance firm and its associates. In the latest operation, the SIT, Vazirabad police and local crime branch personnel arrested three more accused from Nanded and Parbhani. “Considering the seriousness of the incident, we have constituted an SIT to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. Farmers and residents facing illegal harassment, threats or coercion by finance companies should not take any extreme step out of fear or emotional distress.