Avinash was soft target; Dheeraj was the real mark

Nagpur: The Hiranwar gang, which shot Dharampeth cafe owner, Avinash Bhusari, early Tuesday, had shuffled its target at the last moment. Initially, they had rival Sheikhu gang's key operator, Dheeraj Bamburde, on their radar. Dheeraj is the aide of Sheikhu's sharpshooter, Sewak Masram.
Sources said, Bunty's men had been conducting recces of Pandharabodi, Sitabuldi, and Jaitala Road to track the movements of Dheeraj and others, including Arif, brother of Sheikhu's aide, Azhar.
Alerted by their rival's movements, Dheeraj reportedly went underground. And Avinash, who was uninvolved in the feud, became an easy target. Known to leave his Dharampeth café late at night, he was shot on his way home. "Avinash had no criminal links. He was just a soft target," said a source. The hit is believed to be part of Bunty's vow to dismantle Sheikhu's network after the murder of his cousin, Pawan Hiranwar, in January.
Murder Weapons Sourced From Khaparkheda
Sources revealed that firearms, including mausers used in Avinash's murder were procured from a known gunrunner in Khaparkheda. Bunty reportedly sold his car to fund the arms purchase. While six bullet shells were found, up to 10 rounds may have been fired.
Threat Call Went Unheeded
Avinash allegedly received a threat call from an unknown number around 10 days prior to the attack. He shared this with acquaintances in the police, but no formal complaint was lodged. Family members had also warned him about suspicious activity near their Pragati Nagar home.
Newly Wed Stayed Back for Wife's Parcel
Avinash, who got married on December 20, reportedly planned to head home early that night, but decided to wait and pick up food for his wife — a delay that proved fatal.