Nagpur: In a significant development in the murder case of 28-year-old café owner Avinash Bhusari, Ambazari police have apprehended two individuals — Simran Lokhande, girlfriend of the main accused Bunty alias Shailesh Hiranwar, and his close aide Rishabh Harish Wankhede — for allegedly facilitating the escape of the accused after the crime.

Avinash Raju Bhusari, a resident of Pragati Nagar on Jaitala Road, was shot dead in cold blood near his café, Shosha Café, located between Ramnagar Square and Laxmi Bhavan Square in Dharampeth, during the early hours of April 14.

According to police sources, around 1:30 am, Bunty Hiranwar, along with Ritik Dhiraj Hiranwar, Shashikant alias Sonu alias Jungle Dilip Shendre, Siddhant Bhardwaj, Monu alias Monya Kalsarpe, Shakti Rajesh Yadav, Babu Hiranwar, a youth named Sidhu, and three to four other individuals with criminal records, arrived at the scene and opened fire at Bhusari, killing him on the spot.

Post the murder, the group reportedly visited Kachipura and later managed to flee the city. Investigation revealed that Simran and Rishabh played a key role in planning and aiding their escape. Acting on this information, Ambazari police arrested the duo and are currently interrogating them for further leads.

While the main accused, Bunty Hiranwar, and several others remain absconding, police have intensified their efforts to trace and apprehend the remaining culprits. The murder has sent shockwaves across the city, with law enforcement treating it as a high-priority case.

Further investigation is underway.