Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A group of local youths in their mid-twenties allegedly demanded extortion money from a businessman. When he refused, one of them stabbed him in the back with a sharp knife, while another attacked his neck with an iron rod in an attempt to kill him.
In a separate incident, intoxicated miscreants abused local residents who were putting up flags and banners in their area and later set a citizen’s motorcycle on fire. Cases in both incidents were registered on Monday at Harsul Police Station and Satara Police Station.
Businessman attacked for refusing to pay
Pawan Subhash Tawar (20), who runs a sports goods shop in the Jadhavwadi area, received a phone call from local troublemaker Pawan Bhume at around 8.30 pm on February 15 demanding money. When Tawar refused, he was summoned to Jadhavwadi Signal. He went there along with his brother.
At the spot, Bhume along with Arjun Pandhare, Shahbaz, and Shubham Mahale-Rajput allegedly demanded extortion, saying, “If you want to run your shop, you will have to pay us weekly.” When Tawar refused, the accused assaulted him with kicks and punches. Arjun Pandhare allegedly stabbed him in the back. As Tawar collapsed on the road in a pool of blood, Shahbaz attacked his neck with an iron rod. The assailants fled as people began gathering at the scene.
Three arrested; Arjun absconding
Tawar was admitted to hospital. After his condition improved on Monday, a case was registered at Harsul Police Station. Police Inspector Swati Kedar and PSI Sachin Pagote arrested Pawan Bhume, Shahbaz Syed, and Shubham Mahale. Arjun fled fearing arrest. Police said that Bhume already has a criminal case registered against him in Sillod.
Residents in Satara living in fear due to drunken miscreants
For several days, residents in the Satara area have been living in fear due to the activities of intoxicated troublemakers. Incidents of robbery and assault have been occurring repeatedly.
On February 16, Vinod Awhad, Asaram Markad, Bhanudas Chavan, and other residents of Renukapuram were preparing for Shiv Jayanti celebrations by putting up flags and banners. At around 10.30 pm, Lucky, the son of Santosh Dabhade, along with three others, entered the locality in an intoxicated state. When residents objected, the group abused and threatened them.
Around 12.30 am, a masked youth set Awhad’s Bullet motorcycle on fire. As residents rushed out after hearing the commotion, the miscreant fled. The complaint states that the person who set the fire is associated with Lucky. A case has been registered at Satara Police Station, and head constable Sainath Chavan is investigating the matter.
Second incident of extortion-linked assault
In another incident on February 16 afternoon, near Devle Hospital in the M-2 area, Rahul Khadtare (29) was allegedly threatened by a man who demanded ₹25,000 to allow him to conduct roadside business. When Rahul refused, the accused pushed him and attacked him and his associates with an iron rod, leaving Rahul seriously injured.
The accused, identified as Rajendra Pimparale (resident of N-7), has been booked at Cidco Police Station.