Pune: The city has witnessed a surge in shooting incidents, with the latest attack occurring in the Saswad area of Purandar taluka. Three unidentified assailants opened fire at close range on the owner of an ice cream shop, leaving him critically injured. Preliminary police reports suggest that this attack is a result of a dispute that began eight months ago.

The injured shop owner, Rahul Tilekar, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Hadapsar, Pune. According to police sources, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon around 3:30 PM when three attackers arrived in a black car and parked in front of Tilekar's shop before opening fire. Tilekar was hit in the stomach, and the bullet has since been removed during his treatment.

Police have indicated that Tilekar had an ongoing dispute with the attackers, which led to the shooting. Law enforcement teams have been dispatched to apprehend the assailants.

Relatives of Tilekar have filed a complaint, and the investigation is ongoing. The frequent occurrences of such violent incidents highlight the deteriorating law and order situation in Pune, putting the safety of ordinary citizens at risk. This event has caused a tense atmosphere in the Saswad area.

In a recent incident at Kolhewadi Phata on Sinhagad Road, two individuals had assaulted an on-duty police officer over traffic issue, raising concerns about the safety of law enforcers themselves.

The accused, Mangesh Shivaji Phadke (34, Heaven Park, Mohammadwadi, Hadapsar) and Bapu Rohidas Dalvi (45, near Shell Petrol Pump, Mohammadwadi), were charged under sections 121(1), 132, 351(2), 351(3), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 at the Haveli Police Station.