A 25-year-old paan stall owner from Talawade narrowly escaped a deadly attack on Tuesday night when two men poured petrol on him and attempted to set him ablaze after he refused to provide them with a cigarette free of charge.
Incident Details
The Chikhali police have arrested Sachin Punase, 25, of Chakan and Bhushan Suradkar, 25, of Nighoje in Khed taluka on charges of attempted murder. According to police officials, the incident occurred when Punase and Suradkar visited the victim's stall and took a cigarette. When the stall owner requested payment, the duo refused and began abusing him.
Heated Argument and Threats
The officer from Chikhali police stated that a heated argument ensued between the complainant and the two accused. Following the altercation, the duo threatened the stall owner with dire consequences and left the scene. However, they returned later that night with a can of petrol.
The accused poured petrol on the complainant and lit a matchstick, throwing it toward him before fleeing. Fortunately, the matchstick extinguished before reaching the victim, preventing a catastrophic fire. The stall owner immediately raised an alarm, attracting attention from nearby residents.
Arrest and Investigation
Police quickly apprehended the suspects based on the victim's description and evidence. The officer confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the attack. The accused remain in custody as authorities gather further details.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by small business owners in the area and the swift response by local law enforcement. The victim's narrow escape underscores the importance of community alertness and police vigilance in preventing such violent crimes.
