Pune Blasts Accused Bunty Jahagirdar Shot Dead in Maharashtra's Shrirampur

Accused in 2012 Pune Blasts Case Killed

Aslam Shabbir Sheikh, widely known as Bunty Jahagirdar, an accused in the 2012 Pune serial blasts case, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Shrirampur, Ahilyanagar district (formerly Ahmednagar district), Maharashtra, on Wednesday. Jahagirdar, reportedly in his mid-50s, was attacked while returning from a funeral, sustaining multiple bullet injuries. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.

Details of the Fatal Attack

The incident occurred around 2 PM on Wednesday. According to police reports, Jahagirdar was on a two-wheeler with another person, returning from a burial ground on Borawake College Road. Two bike-borne assailants intercepted them and opened fire, hitting Jahagirdar in the chest and leg. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting. The public nature of the attack in a busy area of Shrirampur caused panic among residents and commuters, leading to heightened security in the town and surrounding areas.

Jahagirdar's Criminal and Political Background

Bunty Jahagirdar was a key accused in the August 2012 Jangli Maharaj Road (JM Road) serial blasts in Pune. He was arrested in 2013 by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for his alleged involvement in the blasts, specifically for supplying a revolver to one of the main accused. He had been out on bail since 2023. Beyond the terror case, Jahagirdar had a significant criminal record, with multiple cases registered against him in Ahilyanagar district, including charges of murder, bodily offenses, and criminal intimidation. Police records indicate he had been banished from the area multiple times. Furthermore, Jahagirdar was known for his activity in local political circles, with recent reports suggesting his alleged behind-the-scenes role in his cousin's victory in the 2025 municipal council elections. He was also identified as the son of a sitting NCP corporator from Shrirampur.

Investigation and Arrests Underway

Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge confirmed the incident, stating that the motive behind the killing is yet to be ascertained. Multiple teams, some reports indicating five special teams, have been formed to investigate the case and apprehend the culprits. Authorities are examining CCTV footage from the crime scene to identify the assailants. In a significant development, police have arrested two men, identified as Ravi Nikalje and Krishna Shingare, in connection with the murder. They were reportedly traced through CCTV footage and confessed during preliminary questioning. Senior police officers, including Nashik range Inspector General of Police Dattatray Karale, visited Shrirampur to oversee the investigation. The police are exploring various angles, including potential rivalries linked to Jahagirdar's recent activities.