Pune Teenager Brutally Murdered at Popular Park
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community, a 17-year-old boy was brutally murdered at the Rajmata Jijau Oxygen Park in Pune's Chandan Nagar area on Saturday evening. The Pune city police have acted swiftly, arresting five young adults and detaining one minor in connection with the crime.
Victim and Accused Identified
The deceased has been identified as Sonu, also known as Lakhan Balu Sakat (17). He was a resident of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Vasahat in Chandan Nagar. The tragic sequence of events began when his uncle, Keshav Waghmare (32), an auto-rickshaw driver, filed a formal complaint (FIR) at the Chandan Nagar police station against six individuals.
Following the FIR, the police launched an intensive search operation. The team, led by Senior Police Inspector Seema Dhakane, successfully apprehended the accused. Those arrested are:
- Shankar Darku (20)
- Yash Gaikwad (19)
- Jankiram Waghmare (18)
- Mahadev Gangasagare (19)
- Balaji Pedapure (19)
All five are residents of Borate Vasti in Chandan Nagar. Additionally, a minor boy has been detained for his alleged involvement in the case.
The Dispute That Led to Tragedy
According to the police FIR, the roots of this violent crime lie in a dispute that occurred just a day before the murder. On Friday, the victim, Lakhan, had a heated argument with one of the accused, Yash Gaikwad. The confrontation was triggered by allegations that Yash was harassing the sister of Lakhan's friend.
Yash, however, presented a different version, claiming he was in love with the girl. This disagreement escalated tensions between the two groups. Investigators suspect that to settle the score, the assailants lured Lakhan to the Rajmata Jijau Oxygen Park on Saturday evening under false pretenses.
A Fatal Evening Attack
The plan was executed around 7 PM on Saturday, December 7, 2025. At the park, the group allegedly ambushed Lakhan and attacked him with sharp weapons. The assault was so severe that the teenager was left lying in a pool of blood on the garden premises.
Bystanders and authorities were alerted, and Lakhan was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival. The park, typically a place for recreation and fresh air, became the scene of a gruesome crime.
Swift Police Action and Ongoing Probe
The Chandan Nagar police station acted promptly on the complaint. The quick identification and rounding up of the suspects highlight the police's focused response to the violent crime. The five adult accused have been formally arrested and are facing murder charges.
The minor who was detained is being questioned separately, as per legal procedures for juvenile offenders. The police are continuing their investigation to piece together the complete sequence of events and establish the precise roles of each individual involved. The community remains in shock as authorities work to ensure justice for the slain teenager.
