Two men waiting for their turn at a salon in Warje Malwadi, Pune, were seriously injured on Friday evening when a duo, including a criminal wanted in a drug peddling case, opened fire and attacked them with a sharp weapon. The incident occurred around 8 pm at Yashdeep Chowk, causing panic and a melee in the locality.
Attack Details
The victims, identified as Nihal Shinde and Amol Adhav, were admitted to a nearby hospital where they are undergoing treatment. One of the assailants was apprehended by bystanders and handed over to the Warje Malwadi police, while the other managed to flee the scene.
Investigation Underway
Police are investigating the motive behind the attack. Preliminary findings suggest that one of the attackers may be linked to Rathya Rathod, a known criminal recently arrested in a kidnapping case registered by the Uttamnagar police. Investigations into that case revealed Rathod's involvement in drug trafficking.
Drug Trafficking Links
Along with Rathod, police arrested Rajan Gopal Nair (37), Jatin Jaywant Kadam (26, resident of Warje), and Shubham Santosh Dahibhate (28, resident of Kondhve Dhawade). Some of Rathod's associates remain at large. Earlier this month, senior inspector Raghvendra Kshirsagar of the Uttamnagar police stated that over 10 grams of mephedrone were seized from the suspects. Analysis of Rathod's UPI applications revealed about 350 transactions involving money received from various individuals. Of these, 76 people have been identified, and the Crime Branch has been tasked with tracing them.
Police teams rushed to the spot upon receiving alerts and have launched a search for the escaped assailant. Further investigations are ongoing.
