Dramatic Police Encounter Near Pune Toll Plaza
In a dramatic pre-dawn operation on Thursday, the Pimpri Chinchwad police successfully apprehended three wanted criminals after a brief but intense encounter where one of the accused opened fire at the police team. The incident occurred near the Somatane toll post, sending shockwaves through the area.
The Trap and The Attack
Acting on a specific tip-off received by Police Havaldar Vikaram Kudal, a specialized crime branch team led by Senior Inspector Arvind Pawar laid a strategic trap at Somatane Phata. The target was a trio of individuals wanted in a prior theft case registered at the Ravet police station.
The suspects arrived at the location around 5:30 AM in a car that was reportedly stolen from the Hinjewadi area just a few days earlier. As the police moved in to intercept the vehicle, the situation escalated rapidly.
In a brazen act of defiance, one of the suspects immediately drew a country-made pistol and fired a bullet directly at the police team. Police Havaldar Bhausaheb Rathod, demonstrating immense courage, was standing close to the car and attempted to wrestle the firearm from the suspect's grip.
This swift intervention by Havaldar Rathod caused the armed suspect to lose his aim. Consequently, the bullet missed its intended target and struck the roof of the car itself, averting a potential tragedy. The police team then swiftly overpowered and arrested all three individuals.
Weapons and Criminal History Uncovered
Following the arrest, a thorough search was conducted on the suspects and their vehicle. The police recovery was significant, painting a clear picture of their criminal intent. The seized items included two country-made pistols, seven live cartridges, a cache of stolen gold and silver ornaments, and various sharp weapons. The stolen car used by the accused was also impounded by the authorities.
Police identification revealed the accused as Sunnysingh Papasingh Dudhani (24) and Jalsingh Rajputsingh Dudhani (32), both residents of Hadapsar, and Manish Babulal Kushwaha (28), who hails from Morena in Madhya Pradesh.
Investigations into their past uncovered extensive criminal records. A police press release stated that Sunnysingh Dudhani had been previously booked in approximately 70 criminal offences, while his associate, Jalsingh Dudhani, was on record for 50 past crimes.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Probe
As a direct result of the firing incident, the Pimpri Chinchwad police have lodged a fresh First Information Report (FIR) against the three accused. The new charges are severe, including sections for allegedly attempting to murder the policemen on duty.
Beyond the immediate arrest, a critical probe has been initiated. The primary focus of this investigation is to trace the origin of the illegal firearms and uncover the supply chain that provided the criminals with the pistols and ammunition. This case highlights the ongoing challenges and bravery involved in law enforcement operations in the region.
