Mumbai Crime Branch Nabs Fugitive Gangster Prasad Pujari After Two Decades on the Run
Mumbai, 23rd March 2024: A special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in Mumbai has remanded gangster Prasad Pujari to the custody of the Mumbai Crime Branch for 14 days. Pujari, who had been on the run for two decades, was extradited from China and arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of Saturday.
Prasad Pujari, known for his involvement in multiple cases of murder and extortion in Mumbai, had been evading arrest for years. Despite efforts by the Mumbai Crime Branch to dismantle his gang and the issuance of a red corner notice against him, Pujari managed to elude authorities.
It is reported that Pujari attempted to delay his deportation by marrying a Chinese woman. However, after persistent efforts by the Mumbai Crime Branch, he was apprehended and is now set to face justice in Mumbai.
In 2020, Pujari’s mother was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch, leading to the discovery that his visa had expired, raising hopes of his eventual return to India.
Pujari gained infamy for various criminal activities, including a shooting incident targeting Shiv Sena worker Chandrakant Jadhav in Vikhroli, Mumbai, on December 19, 2019. Fortunately, Jadhav narrowly escaped unharmed.
According to Mumbai police, Pujari had a temporary residence in China from March 2008 to March 2012. Initially entering China on a visit visa in May 2008, he resided in the Luohu district of Shenzhen City, Guangdong province.
In 2019, the Mumbai Crime Branch’s Anti-Extortion Cell arrested another individual allegedly connected to Pujari. Mitesh Shah, accused of introducing a Kalbadevi-based businessman to Pujari for help in settling a financial dispute, was later remanded to police custody after the businessman reported threatening calls from Pujari.
