Gang Rivalry Turns Deadly: Pawan Hiranwar Killed in Nagpur Shooting
Nagpur, India: A gang war erupted in the rural area of Nagpur district on Thursday, leading to the death of notorious gangster Pawan Hiranwar. The incident occurred at Babulkheda village under the jurisdiction of Saoner Police Station while Hiranwar and his associates were returning to the city after visiting the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, according to Harsh Poddar, Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural.
The assailants, identified as members of the rival Shekhu Khan gang, ambushed the vehicle carrying Hiranwar, his brother Bunty, and three others. Riding on motorcycles, the attackers opened fire with country-made guns in an isolated forested area. Hiranwar died on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds, while Bunty suffered a minor injury. The three other occupants managed to escape unharmed.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the attack was a revenge killing orchestrated by Shekhu Khan, whose brother was allegedly murdered by Hiranwar's gang a few years ago. The rivalry between the two gangs, operating in adjacent areas of Nagpur, has escalated over the years as both vied for dominance.
Both gangs have a history of violent clashes and multiple criminal offences. Hiranwar operated from the Kachipura area, while Shekhu was based near Ambazari. Both were detained under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act but were released recently—Hiranwar in October and Shekhu in January 2022.
The police have confirmed that Shekhu Khan, along with his accomplice Parvez Khan, personally led the attack. Superintendent Poddar stated that the investigation is ongoing and multiple police teams, including the Local Crime Branch, are working to trace the culprits. While the primary motive appears to be revenge, other angles, including a possible contract killing, are being explored.
The police are still at the crime scene collecting evidence. Due to the darkness and the remote location, details such as the exact number of shots fired remain unclear. Hiranwar's body has been sent for a post-mortem to determine the extent of his injuries.
This latest violent confrontation has reignited concerns about gang-related activities in Nagpur, with authorities pledging to take strict action against those involved.
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