Mastermind behind union leader killing held

Salvi,who allegedly has links with Chhota Rajan,had hired 10 people to murder Kanade. He alleged that Kanade was involved in plotting a car accident that claimed his brother’s life. Salvi has been remanded to police custody till April 16. Both Kanade and Salvi are history-sheeters and the police are investigating their backgrounds.

Shantaram Kanade was murdered on November 9,2008,by 10 people who approached him outside his housing society’s office. He was stabbed multiple times and killed. Within 24 hours after the incident,the police arrested six of the accused. Other four accused were arrested on November 14 and 21. Based on the statements given by the accused and investigation,the police arrested Salvi who had problems with Kanade— including a dispute over a post in the housing society. However,Salvi had left the country five days before the murder to avoid suspicion.

Salvi,said the police,confessed to have paid an amount between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 to each accused to kill Kanade. It is also believed that they had problems with Kanade.

“We arrested 10 accused within days after the incident. After the investigation,we came to the conclusion that Salvi was the culprit,” said Police Inspector Ambadas Pawar of the Samtanagar police station.

Talking about the problems that the others had with Kanade,DCP Zone XII Ajit Patil said,“The 10 accused were allegedly promised jobs for which had given money to Kanade. They became angry when Kanade didn’t honour his promise after taking money.” Asked about Salvi’s allegations against Kanade,he said,“We are investigating into them. We are looking into his links with Chotta Rajan also.”