Nagpur: The notorious Hiranwar gang, involved in the brutal murder of café operator Avinash Bhusari, has now split into two factions and scattered across North and South India to evade police capture. In a significant breakthrough, Rohit Murke, one of the main accused who had been on the run since the killing, has been apprehended by the Crime Branch in Durg, Chhattisgarh.

The gang’s mastermind, Bunty Hiranwar, along with Shakti Yadav and other accomplices, allegedly shot and killed Bhusari on the night of April 14. The murder, which sent shockwaves through the city, led to a massive manhunt by law enforcement agencies. So far, five accused — including a juvenile — have been detained, with Simran Lokhande and Rishabh Wankhede being arrested on April 21.

According to investigators, following the murder, Bunty and his associates initially fled to Bhandarabefore moving to Madhya Pradesh. To avoid attracting police attention, the gang decided to split up. One group headed towards Uttar Pradesh, while the other travelled to Tirupati via Visakhapatnam, making it challenging for authorities to track their movements.

The recently arrested Rohit Murke is believed to have distanced himself from the group after the murder. Acting on a tip-off, Crime Branch personnel conducted a raid in Durg and apprehended Murke. His interrogation is now providing crucial insights into the whereabouts of Bunty Hiranwar and the gang’s broader network.

The murder of Avinash Bhusari has ignited public anger in Nagpur, with residents and Bhusari’s family demanding strict action and the dismantling of the Hiranwar gang. Police operations are ongoing as efforts intensify to capture the remaining fugitives hiding across different states.