Shipping businessman Rana Suryavanshi’s security cover withdrawn

The security cover provided to businessman Rana Suryavanshi, who owns Rana Shipping Company, has been withdrawn by the Pune Rural police. The decision to withdraw the security, which included three constabulary staff 24/7, was made following directions from the state government. The withdrawal came after key inconsistencies were found in Suryavanshi's account of an attack on October 18 near Baramati airport.

On that day, Suryavanshi, traveling to locations of agricultural land and commercial plots, was allegedly attacked by two men on a scooter. One man approached him with a bouquet before attacking with a sharp weapon. Suryavanshi sustained injuries but did not receive a bullet wound. The police have arrested four individuals and detained a minor in connection with the case, describing the assault as a two lakh rupee contract hit.

Despite the withdrawal of security, Suryavanshi was discharged from Ruby Hall Clinic after four days of treatment. The police claim they had recorded Suryavanshi's statement while he was still in the hospital. This is not the first time Suryavanshi has faced threats; on September 28, Solapur Rural police arrested four people for allegedly attempting to murder him near Akkalkot.

However, the investigation into the October 18 attack continues, with several gaps remaining. The ballistic report is awaited to determine if the recovered firearm was actually discharged, as no empty cartridge casing was found, and other witnesses did not corroborate the complainant's account of a gunshot. The alleged assailants deny carrying a firearm.

The police are still trying to establish the motive behind the suspected contract hit, the roles of the recently arrested accused, and whether a wider conspiracy was involved. Two suspects remain at large, and investigators are also exploring whether a dispute over control of an educational institution in Solapur could be connected to the attack.