Released from Jail, Not from the Gangks Memory

Shirur, June 1, 2026:A long-running rivalry between two former gang associates culminated in a fatal shooting in Maharashtra's Shirur on Monday evening, leaving 31-year-old Vishal Kale dead just days after his release from prison. Police have launched a manhunt for the accused, including Kale's former associate Sunny Yadav and several others. ## Deadly Attack Near Saradwadi Village According to police, the incident occurred around **5:30 p.m.** near **Karde Ghat**, close to Saradwadi village in Shirur. Vishal Kale was travelling with his cousin, Umesh Jagdale, and relative Kedar Chandrakant Zadage after arriving in Shirur for a business meeting earlier in the day. While leaving the area, their vehicle was allegedly rammed by another car, causing the airbags to deploy. As the occupants exited the vehicle, a group of armed assailants allegedly opened fire. ## Victim Shot While Trying to Escape Police said Kale, Jagdale, and Zadage attempted to flee after the shooting began. Kale sustained multiple gunshot injuries, while Zadage was reportedly attacked with an unidentified weapon. Although shots were also fired at Jagdale, he escaped without injuries. Investigators further alleged that after Kale fell to the ground, the attackers assaulted him with stones before fleeing the scene. An FIR has been registered at Shirur Police Station based on a complaint filed by Jagdale. ## Rivalry Rooted in Earlier Murder Case According to investigators, Vishal Kale and Sunny Yadav were arrested together in **2016** as key accused in the murder of Shirur municipal councillor Mahendra Mallav. At the time, both were allegedly members of a criminal gang headed by history-sheeter Nilesh Kurlap. The two remained in prison together until **2020**, when they were released on emergency bail granted to several undertrial prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic. ## Rift Deepened Over Subsequent Criminal Cases Police said the relationship between Kale and Yadav deteriorated over the following years. After his release, Kale allegedly absconded and was later named in an attempted murder case registered in Shirur in **2022**. In **2025**, Kale was arrested by Pimpri Chinchwad Police under the Arms Act for allegedly possessing illegal weapons. Investigators said Kale believed Yadav had informed the police, leading to his arrest. Following his detention, Kale was also taken into custody in connection with the pending 2016 murder case and the 2022 attempted murder case. Police believe these developments intensified the rivalry between the former associates. ## Police Suspect Planned Attack Investigators suspect that after Kale recently secured bail and was released from prison, Yadav's group monitored his movements before allegedly executing the attack. Police have booked **Sunny Yadav**, **Vishal Pandi**, and at least five other alleged accomplices on charges of murder and attempt to murder. A coordinated manhunt has been launched to apprehend the accused, who allegedly fled immediately after the attack. ## Investigation Continues Police are examining CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are also working to determine the exact sequence of events and establish the roles of each accused in the alleged conspiracy. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests are expected as police continue their search for the suspects.