A shocking incident of abduction, assault, and attempted murder unfolded in Pune on New Year's Eve, targeting a used car dealer. The event has led to a significant police investigation, connecting the accused to another serious crime.
The Harrowing New Year's Eve Attack
On December 31, at around 11:30 PM, a 31-year-old used car dealer from Khadi Machine Chowk in Kondhwa faced a terrifying ordeal. Eight men allegedly abducted him from his showroom and took him to an isolated spot in Gokulnagar, off the Katraj-Kondhwa Road. There, they forcibly stripped him. In a further escalation, one of the assailants opened fire in his direction. Fortunately, the bullet missed its target, sparing the victim's life.
Root of the Conflict: A Damaged Car Deal
According to Senior Inspector Amar Kalange of the Yevalewadi police, the conflict originated a few months prior. The dealer had renovated an old car, which caught the interest of one of the now-arrested men. The suspect took the vehicle for a test drive without making any payment and met with an accident, damaging the car.
He then returned the damaged vehicle to the showroom. This sparked arguments, as the dealer demanded compensation for the damages, which the suspect refused to pay. The dealer subsequently issued threats, prompting the suspect to conspire with his friends to carry out the retaliatory abduction and attack.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The victim filed a formal complaint, leading to a case registered under multiple sections including attempt to murder, abduction, causing hurt using dangerous weapons, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assembly against the eight accused.
In a crucial breakthrough, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone V) Rajlaxmi Shivankar revealed that the investigation into this case was aided by a separate murder probe. On January 2, police arrested four youngsters in connection with the murder of Akash Krishna Chabukshwar (21). During questioning, these individuals disclosed their involvement and that of their friends in the Gokulnagar firing incident.
"We tracked down the used car dealer, who was humiliated. We have arrested Ayush Kamthe, Abhi Mhaske, Abhi Patil, and Mangesh Mane in this connection. We are looking for their four accomplices," stated DCP Shivankar. The police are now actively searching for the remaining suspects involved in the brazen attack.
