Pune: A tragic incident unfolded in Mulshi Taluka on Sunday (September 1) night when an attempt to mediate a dispute between friends turned into a brutal murder.

Omkar Bhalchandra Bhingare, aged 25, was viciously attacked with machetes and iron rods by a group of acquaintances after trying to prevent a fight.

The attack occurred around 8:45 PM at Amlewadi on Ghotavade to Kolwan Road, and the Paud police have since registered a murder case against multiple suspects.

The incident began during a birthday celebration hosted by Akash Shankar Yenpure, aged 28, at a farmhouse in Urwade.

Yenpure, who organized the alcohol-fueled party on August 18, invited friends to celebrate, including Omkar Bhingare, who previously lived in Urwade but now resides in Pimple Gurav.

The party took a dark turn when Ganesh Bhandalkar, one of the attendees, rekindled his anger over a fallout with Avinash alias Chilapya Chorge. As tensions escalated, an argument erupted between Ganesh and Avinash, prompting Omkar Bhingare to step in as a peacemaker.

However, his efforts to calm the situation further fueled Ganesh's anger, especially after Yenpure and other attendees sided against him.

Determined to resolve the lingering dispute, Yenpure and others gathered later that night in Amlewadi. During this meeting, Ganesh Bhandalkar confronted Omkar, declaring his intention to harm Avinash.

Omkar intervened once again, firmly stating that he would not allow any harm to come to Avinash. As the argument intensified, Omkar Jadhav moved discreetly to the back, joined by a group of 7 to 8 men.

They quickly overpowered both Avinash and Omkar, launching a savage attack with machetes and iron rods. Omkar Bhingare attempted to flee, screaming for help, but the attackers relentlessly pursued him, delivering multiple blows.

Despite Yenpure's desperate attempt to break free from those holding him and rush to Omkar's aid, it was too late. Omkar collapsed after enduring numerous strikes, and as he lay lifeless, Ganesh Bhandalkar coldly announced, "It’s done, Omkar’s finished." The assailants then fled the scene on motorcycles, leaving Omkar dead on the spot.

Police Inspector Sudhir Kadam and his team from Paud police station promptly arrived at the scene and launched an investigation. A murder case has been registered against Ganesh Bhandalkar, Omkar Jadhav, Sunny Chavan, Akshay Shelar, Sachin Bhandalkar, Kiran Owhal, and two unidentified accomplices.