Contract Killing Attempt in Maval: Gunman Hired Over Love Affair Leaves Man Critically Injured

A man allegedly hired a hitman for ₹10 lakh after discovering his sister’s relationship, triggering a shooting in Ozarde village where the victim, Vikas Kedari, is critically hurt and three accused have been arrested.

OZARDE (MAVAL TAHSEEL), Maharashtra, 14 November 2025 – A shocking contract killing attempt has come to light in Ozarde village of Maval taluka, where a 31-year-old man, identified as Vikas Balasaheb Kedari, was shot in the neck and rendered critically injured after a plot allegedly orchestrated by his girlfriend’s brother. According to police, the motive was anger over the sister’s romantic relationship continuing even after her marriage, prompting the man to hire a hitman by paying ₹10 lakh. Investigations reveal the accused farmer, a 26-year-old from Maval, arranged the murder via his uncle—who has a prior murder case on record—while the hired gunman, 26-year-old Akash Bhokse from Khed taluka, carried out the shooting late at night as the victim returned from work.

The assailant opened fire near the fast-food outlet where the victim was employed, striking him in the neck. Prompt action by the crime branch team from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate led to arrests: the hitman was arrested in Khed taluka, the uncle in Wai (Satara district) and the main accused in Matheran (Raigad district). Police have registered charges under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita—attempt to murder—and relevant sections of the Arms Act. This incident underlines the extreme lengths to which personal vendettas tied to romantic relationships can escalate in rural Maharashtra.

Authorities say that the victim’s survival gives hope, but his condition remains critical. The swift arrests and multi-district coordination by police have been praised locally as an effective response to organised crime tactics. Community members in Ozarde told investigators that they had suspected the plan when the accused began gathering money and making frequent late-night meetings. The case now proceeds through formal legal processes, and further arrests or connections are not ruled out.

This event raises alarming questions about contract crimes, social norms and enforcement challenges in semi-rural corridors of Maharashtra. While love affairs and family disputes are common, converting them into hired‐kill plots points to deeper issues in local governance, crime prevention and social conflict resolution. It is a reminder that even in tranquil-seeming villages, organised violent acts can occur under the guise of personal vendetta.

For residents of Maval taluka and surrounding regions, the incident has cast a shadow and triggered calls for stricter monitoring of sudden cash flows, weapon movements and local dispute escalation. Police have warned that anyone involved in arranging or facilitating contract attacks will face severe punishment under Indian law. Meanwhile the district administration may review additional safety measures and awareness campaigns to discourage this kind of crime.

The arrest of all three key accused in a short span offers some optimism for justice delivery. The case will be closely watched by law-enforcement and media alike, given its high-profile nature and the financial intimidation angle involved. As investigations deepen, the focus will shift to identifying other potential links—including weapons procurement, financial trail and possible wider gang involvement.

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