Pune: Tempo Driver, Owner, and Relatives Attacked by Gang Over Refusal to Give Liquor Money; Incident in Warje Malwadi Area

Pune: A shocking incident took place in the Warje Malwadi area where a gang of goons attacked a tempo driver, his employer, and relatives after being denied money to buy alcohol. The gang smashed the vehicle’s window, assaulted the driver, looted cash, and later injured the tempo owner and his family members when confronted.

According to the complaint filed by Rafiq Mohammad Maniyar (54), a resident of Surabhi Colony, Warje Malwadi, at the Warje Malwadi Police Station, two accused – Ashutosh Sathe and Istkhar Ansari – have been arrested. A case of robbery has also been registered against three to four of their accomplices. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM on June 7 in the Tapodham area.

As per the police, Maniyar runs a scrap business. One of his workers, Govind Kumar, was driving a tempo home when the accused stopped him on the road and demanded money for liquor. Upon refusal, the gang smashed the tempo’s window with a stone, dragged Kumar out, and physically assaulted him. They then forcibly took ₹200 from his pocket.

Kumar informed his employer, Rafiq Maniyar, who arrived at the scene with his sons Shahid, Aman, and nephew Rahil Maniyar. When they questioned the accused about damaging the vehicle, the situation escalated. Shahid was hit on the head with a beer bottle, causing serious injury. Rahil was also beaten with a blunt object.

The gang then allegedly threatened Rafiq Maniyar, forcibly took ₹500 and a mobile phone from his pocket, and snatched a gold chain worth ₹45,700 from Shahid.

One of the accused reportedly said, “I am Ashutosh Sathe, the local don. If you want to run a business here, you must pay us protection money.” He brandished a weapon and threatened to eliminate anyone who opposed them, creating panic in the locality.

The investigation is being led by Police Sub-Inspector Jagdale.