Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Worker Killed After Pune Contract Attackers Mistake Him for Target
A worker named Hamja Usman Sheikh was killed at a water plant in Karegaon.
Police say the attackers were looking for someone else, Vikas Madhavrao Navale.
They believe the attackers mistook Sheikh for Navale because they were similar in build and Sheikh was facing away.
Police say a dispute involving Navale may have led to a plan to kill him.
Five people have been arrested, and two alleged shooters are still being sought.
Investigators say the plan passed through several people before the attack.
Police also say they are looking into how the gun was obtained.
The investigation is continuing.
Hamja Usman Sheikh, 39, was shot and killed at a water plant in Karegaon on September 29.
Police say the intended target was Vikas Madhavrao Navale, who had a dispute with a suspect.
Investigators believe the attackers mistook Sheikh for Navale because they looked similar and Sheikh's face was not visible.
Five suspects were arrested within 36 hours; two alleged shooters remain at large.
Police say the alleged contract passed through several people, and they are investigating the firearm supply network.
- Who
- Hamja Usman Sheikh was killed; police say Vikas Madhavrao Navale was the intended target.
- What
- Sheikh was shot in the head in an alleged contract killing carried out against the wrong person.
- When
- Around 6:30 a.m. on September 29; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- A water plant in Sai Nagar, Karegaon, within Ranjangaon Police Station jurisdiction, Pune district.
- Why
- Police say the alleged plot stemmed from a land, property and financial dispute involving Navale and a suspect.
- Victim
- Hamja Usman Sheikh, 39
- Intended target, according to police
- Vikas Madhavrao Navale
- Attack time
- Around 6:30 a.m. on September 29
- Location
- A water plant in Sai Nagar, Karegaon
- Arrests
- Five suspects arrested within 36 hours
- Still wanted
- Two suspects identified by police remain absconding
- Police case
- Registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 3(25) of the Arms Act, 1959