After a relentless 20-day manhunt, the Khaparkheda Police have successfully arrested Gulnawaz alias Shaikhu Ijaj Khan (34) and Ajhar Sheikh Rafiq Sheikh (34), the two main conspirators involved in the murder of gangster Pawan Hiranwar. The arrests took place on Tuesday while the duo was dining at a Lahori Dhaba on Saoner Road at 2 a.m.
The tragic murder occurred on January 2 when Shaikhu and his accomplices opened fire on a car near the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in the Babhulkheda area near Khaparkheda, during a violent gang war. Pawan Hiranwar was killed in the attack, while four others—Himanshu Gajbhiye, Bunty Hiranwar, Siddharth Kowe, and Sonu Shendre—were injured. Following the murder, police arrested Siddharth Dinesh Kove, Pratham Manoj Shakya, Abhiraj Kailash Kanojia, and Lalit Arun Bhusari, but Shaikhu and Ajhar managed to escape.
The accused initially sought refuge in Nagpur, before traveling to Madhya Pradesh, then to Uttar Pradesh, where they stayed in Shahjapur and Agra. Their trail led back to Madhya Pradesh, where police finally tracked them down. Despite an extensive search, no weapons were recovered from their possession.
Both suspects have multiple criminal cases against them. Shaikhu has six cases registered at Ambazari Station, and one each at Hingna, Sitabuldi, and Mankapur Police Stations. Ajhar faces one case each at Gittikhadan, Pratap Nagar, and Ambazari Police Stations.
In light of the arrests, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Harssh Poddar issued a stern warning to criminals, stating, “If criminals think they can commit crimes in Nagpur Rural and easily escape, they are mistaken. No criminal will be allowed to disturb the peace of the rural areas.” Dr. Poddar also highlighted plans to intensify nakabandi operations and increase surveillance on major highways to prevent criminals from entering the district.
The swift arrest marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the Khaparkheda Police to ensure justice for the victims and maintain peace in the rural areas.