Nilesh Ghaywal, a notorious Pune-based gangster with a decades-long history of violent crimes, has once again captured the attention of law enforcement and the media after authorities confirmed that he is currently residing in London on a visitor visa. Known for his involvement in multiple criminal cases, including murder, extortion, land grabbing, and offences under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), Ghaywal is considered one of the most dangerous figures in Pune’s underworld.

The British High Commission in India officially confirmed Ghaywal’s presence in the United Kingdom following repeated requests from Pune Police to trace and detain him. The Commission informed the UK authorities that Ghaywal’s Indian passport has been revoked, a measure aimed at preventing him from evading Indian law by travelling internationally. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sambhaji Kadam stated, “We have received confirmation from the High Commission that Ghaywal is in London on a visitor visa and has travelled there to meet his son. The UK authorities have also been notified about the cancellation of his passport.”

Background: Ghaywal’s Criminal Career

Ghaywal’s criminal trajectory began in 1999, when he was first arrested in an extortion case registered at the Kothrud police station in Pune. Within two years, by 2001, he had already accumulated three additional cases against him, including one for murder. His early criminal activities were largely associated with extortion and intimidation, tactics commonly employed by underworld figures to consolidate their influence and control over territory.

Initially, Ghaywal operated as an associate of gangster Gajanan Marne, a well-known figure in Pune’s underworld. However, he eventually split from Marne, becoming a rival and igniting violent turf wars that destabilized several neighborhoods in Pune. Over time, Ghaywal built a reputation for being aggressive, strategic, and ruthless, traits that allowed him to rise to prominence in the criminal ecosystem of Pune.

The Dattawadi Shootout: A Turning Point

One of the most infamous episodes in Ghaywal’s career was the Dattawadi shootout on May 9, 2010. According to police reports, Ghaywal and his gang chased rival gang members from the Marne faction for nearly two kilometers and opened fire near the Dattawadi police chowky. The attack resulted in the death of Sachin Kudle, while his brother, Atul Kudle, was critically injured. The shootout, which police often refer to as part of the “Dattawadi files,” marked a significant escalation in gang-related violence in Pune and cemented Ghaywal’s status as a dominant underworld figure. He was subsequently arrested in July 2010 in connection with the incident.

Following the Dattawadi shootout, Ghaywal’s influence grew further as he consolidated his control over key areas in Pune. Over the years, he has been booked in more than 20 criminal cases, ranging from murder and extortion to land grabbing, illegal arms possession, and intimidation of local businessmen. Police allege that his gang forcibly seized properties at gunpoint and engaged in systematic coercion to assert dominance over commercial and residential spaces.

Recent Crimes and Flight from India

In September 2025, Ghaywal was implicated in a road rage case in Pune’s Kothrud area. During the incident, his associates allegedly opened fire, injuring a man. Soon after, Ghaywal disappeared, triggering a high-profile manhunt. Given his criminal history and the severity of his charges, Pune Police treated his disappearance as a serious concern, suspecting that he had fled abroad to evade arrest.

To locate him, authorities issued a lookout circular and a Blue Corner Notice through Interpol, effectively alerting international law enforcement agencies about his fugitive status. Pune Police contacted the British High Commission, requesting assistance in tracing Ghaywal and initiating his detention. Officials also sought information regarding how he obtained a UK visitor visa despite being a wanted criminal in India and with a revoked passport.

Police investigations indicate that Ghaywal may have tampered with his personal documents to obtain a fraudulent passport, a tactic reportedly used to facilitate his international travel and evade Indian law enforcement. The precise methods by which he secured the visa remain under scrutiny, with authorities coordinating with UK officials to understand the nature of his stay, visa type, and expiration date.

International Implications and Legal Challenges

Ghaywal’s presence in the United Kingdom highlights the growing challenge of fugitives with international connections. His case underscores how organized crime figures can exploit loopholes in immigration and visa processes to evade justice. The coordination between Indian authorities and UK officials is crucial in ensuring that Ghaywal faces charges in India for his extensive criminal record.

The Interpol notice and lookout circular serve as critical tools in tracking fugitives like Ghaywal. Such measures not only alert foreign authorities but also facilitate legal action, including detention and deportation, to bring the individual back to India. Pune Police continue to actively pursue Ghaywal’s extradition, emphasizing the seriousness of his alleged crimes and the potential threat he poses if allowed to remain at large.

Profile Summary: Who is Nilesh Ghaywal?

Nilesh Ghaywal is a Pune-based gangster with over two decades of criminal activity. Key aspects of his profile include:

• Criminal Start: First arrested in 1999 for extortion at Kothrud police station.
• Early Rivalries: Initially an associate of Gajanan Marne, later became a rival.
• Major Incident: Dattawadi shootout (2010) where one person was killed and another critically injured.
• Criminal Record: Booked in more than 20 cases including murder, extortion, land grabbing, and illegal arms possession; charged under MCOCA.
• Tactics: Gang forcibly took over properties, engaged in intimidation and coercion, and used violence to consolidate power.
• Recent Crime: Road rage case in September 2025 where his associates opened fire and injured a man.
• Flight: Fled India using a fraudulent passport, currently in London on a visitor visa; passport revoked by Indian authorities.
• International Action: Lookout circular and Interpol Blue Corner Notice issued; Pune Police coordinating with UK authorities for detention and deportation.

Conclusion

Nilesh Ghaywal’s trajectory reflects the challenges posed by organized crime in India, particularly when criminals exploit international jurisdictions to avoid prosecution. His decades-long history of violence, extortion, and intimidation has made him one of Pune’s most notorious underworld figures. With his presence confirmed in the UK, Indian authorities are intensifying diplomatic and legal efforts to bring him back to India, ensuring he faces justice for his numerous criminal activities.

Ghaywal’s case also serves as a warning about the intersection of organized crime and international mobility, highlighting the need for tighter controls on fraudulent documentation and international travel by wanted individuals. The ongoing investigation and coordination with UK authorities aim to close loopholes that have allowed fugitives like Ghaywal to evade Indian law enforcement and underscores the continued vigilance of Indian police in tracking high-profile criminals abroad.

---