3 held for plotting to eliminate BJP MLA's uncle

City crime branch sleuths have foiled a plot to kill the relative of a BJP legislator, who is an active party member. The murder was ordered because of a political rivalry and the execution was assigned to members of Chhota Shakeel gang.

According to the police, during the just-concluded assembly election, officers from the property cell of the crime branch received information that members of Chhota Shakeel gang from Mumbai and Akurli Dehu Road near Pune, former vice presient of Dehu Road Contonment Board and their associates were planning to eliminate Maval BJP legislator Krishnarao Bhengde's uncle Lahu Shelar.

"When we made further inquiries, it was learnt that weapons, vehicle and money for the execution of the murders would be delivered at the residence of one of the accused persons in Dehu Road on Thursday. Based on this information, we arrested three persons from Pune for their alleged involvement in the conspiracy. We also seized one country-made pistol with magazine, four live bullets, a chopper, a vehicle meant to be used for the murder and photograph of the person who was to be eliminated," said joint commissioner of police, crime, Sadanand Date.

Those arrested have been identified as Mumbra resident Mohammad Hussain Abdul Sheikh, Ganesh Bhillare and former vice presient of Dehu Road Contonment Board Amin Sheikh. Sheikh has over 23 criminal offences registered against him, the police said, adding that the gangsters were promised Rs15,000 and a flat each by Sheikh.