A brazen daylight assault shattered the morning peace in Pune’s Dhankawdi locality on Wednesday, when a 26-year-old man was targeted by a group of armed individuals. The incident occurred around 9:50 AM near the busy Shahu Bank Chowk in Balajinagar, creating a brief wave of panic among local commuters and business owners.
The victim, identified as Akshay Balu Mhaske, an autorickshaw driver residing in Ambegaon Pathar, survived the targeted attack. Law enforcement authorities immediately rushed to the scene to secure the area, deploying additional personnel to prevent any further escalation of local tensions.
Overview of the Incident
According to senior police officials, Mhaske had stopped his autorickshaw near an eatery on the Pune-Satara Road to pick up breakfast. While he was waiting inside his vehicle, five unidentified assailants riding on two motorcycles intercepted him.
The attackers fired approximately four rounds from close range. Following the gunshots, the assailants assaulted the victim with sharp iron weapons before quickly fleeing the spot. Local bystanders and police teams immediately shifted the injured driver to a nearby private hospital. Medical professionals confirmed that while the victim sustained severe injuries to his thigh and chest, no vital organs were compromised, and he is currently undergoing stable medical treatment.
The Investigation and Legal Actions
The Pune City Crime Branch and local police stations acted swiftly following the incident. After examining extensive Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the chowk and the route leading from Ambegaon Pathar, investigators successfully identified the five primary suspects who followed the victim’s autorickshaw.
Based on a formal complaint lodged by the victim’s wife, an FIR has been registered at the Sahakarnagar Police Station under charges related to an attempt to murder.
Understanding the Backstory: The Underlying Rivalry
Initial police probes strongly indicate that the attack is an extension of an ongoing, retaliatory feud involving factions associated with local rival groups—specifically the Andekar and Komkar circles.
- The Connection: The victim, Akshay Mhaske, has no prior criminal record. However, investigators noted that he is the brother of Akash Mhaske, a suspect currently in judicial custody for allegedly supplying firearms used in the high-profile September 2024 murder of former municipal corporator Vanraj Andekar in Nana Peth.
- A Cycle of Incidents: Over the last two years, this deep-seated friction has triggered intermittent violent encounters between associated members. Authorities suspect that the planning for the latest assault may have originated from key group figures currently lodged in prison to settle past scores.
To keep the peace, the municipal administration has increased patrolling in sensitive pockets across the city, reassuring residents that the situation is firmly under control.
Key Takeaways
- The Incident: A 26-year-old driver was shot at and assaulted with sharp objects in Balajinagar, Pune, during peak morning hours.
- Victim Status: The victim survived the critical encounter and is currently stable and recuperating at a local private facility.
- The Motive: Police firmly believe the violence is tied to a retaliatory cycle linked back to the 2024 Vanraj Andekar case.
- Law Enforcement Response: An attempt to murder case has been filed, multiple crime branch teams are deployed, and several individuals are being interrogated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where exactly did the shooting take place in Pune? The incident occurred near Shahu Bank Chowk in the Balajinagar area of Dhankawdi on the Pune-Satara Road.
Q2: Is the victim out of danger? Yes. Although Akshay Mhaske sustained serious injuries from the firearms and sharp weapons, doctors stated that no vital organs were hit, and he is recovering well.
Q3: Why was Akshay Mhaske targeted if he had no criminal background? Preliminary investigations suggest he was targeted solely due to his familial relationship with his brother, Akash Mhaske, who is an accused individual in a prior 2024 case.
Q4: Have any arrests been made so far? The police have identified the primary five suspects through CCTV footage and have detained multiple individuals for questioning as active searches continue.
