Nashik (Correspondent): Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik has taken strict action under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against suspected accused Vaibhav Devre and his gang, who were running an illegal moneylending business and subjecting borrowers to financial, mental, and physical harassment.
A total of 15 cases have been registered against Vaibhav Devre, his wife Sonal Devre, and their gang at four police stations—Indiranagar, Ambad, Gangapur, and Mumbai Naka—under the Nashik Police Commissionerate. Investigations have revealed that the gang systematically trapped needy people by offering loans, lured them with financial assistance, and then harassed them to extort lakhs of rupees. Those booked under MCOCA include gang leader Vaibhav Yadavrao Devre, Govind Pandurang Sasane, Sonal Vaibhav Devre, and Nikhil Namdev Pawar.
Devre and his associates formed a gang and defrauded people in Indiranagar, Ambad, Gangapur, and Mumbai Naka for their financial gain. They lent money at exorbitant interest rates, taking advantage of borrowers.
The gang also forged documents for a piece of land in Hirawadi and made it appear genuine. Additionally, they conducted a land deal worth ₹3 crore in Mauje Sarul, extorting ₹63.49 lakh from the complainant but never transferring the land to them.
While recovering interest, the gang resorted to threats, attempted murder, sexual harassment, extortion, and violent crimes, spreading fear across the city. A businessman from Gangapur Road, unable to bear their harassment, committed suicide, and a case of abetment to suicide has also been registered against the gang.
Police Commissioner’s Warning:
Speaking about the matter, Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik stated:
“People can report illegal moneylenders by sending a message to the WhatsApp number issued by the Police Commissionerate. Immediate action will be taken based on the information received. Police teams have been instructed to track down illegal moneylenders operating in the city.”
