Pune, 19 November: A chilling case of kidnapping and murder has shocked Pune, with the body of a government contractor found in the Khadakwasla Dam after he was kidnapped for a ransom of ₹2 crore. The victim, identified as **Vitthal Sakharam Polekar**, a 70-year-old contractor and former deputy sarpanch from Donje, was abducted while on his usual morning walk in the Sinhagad Paytha area. His body was later dismembered and dumped in the catchment area of the dam.
Polekar's family grew concerned when he failed to return home by 10 AM on Thursday. They filed a missing person’s report, triggering an investigation. The police discovered that **Yogesh alias Babu Kisan Bhame**, the main accused, had previously visited Polekar’s office in Pune, demanding either a Jaguar car or ₹2 crore as ransom. Polekar had refused to meet the demand, leading to the abduction.
In a shocking turn, two days after the kidnapping, body parts of Polekar were discovered near Osade village, leading the police to launch an extensive manhunt. Three individuals—**Shubham Popat Sonawane** (24), **Milind Devidas Thorat** (24), and **Rohit Kisan Bhame** (22)—have been arrested in connection with the crime. Rohit Bhame is the brother of the main accused, Yogesh Bhame, who remains at large.
The investigation revealed that Shubham and Milind, who work at a hotel in Sinhagad Paytha, were lured into the crime with promises of money. Rohit, being part of the Bhame family, was instrumental in the kidnapping. The police are continuing their search for the main accused, Yogesh Bhame, who is believed to be in hiding.
Police officials have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with further developments expected. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brutality of the crime and the involvement of multiple individuals in the gruesome murder.