Pune: In a shocking incident, a farm laborer was assaulted with a sickle for not showing up to work in Mandvi Budruk village, near Khadakwasla Dam. After attacking the laborer, the assailant further injured him and his wife by ramming them with a car while they were on their way to the hospital.

The victim, identified as Bharat Laxman Walhekar (55), originally from Roha, Raigad, succumbed to his injuries during treatment. His wife is currently receiving medical care at the hospital. The Haveli police have arrested Sanjay Hindurao Paigude (50) and have filed charges against Sachin Nathu Paigude (45) in connection with the crime.

According to the police, the Walhekar couple had been working on Vilas Dinkar Paigude’s farm and had been residing in his quarters. Sachin, the primary assailant, is Vilas’s nephew. The Walhekar couple, originally from Roha in Raigad district, had been living in the village for the past five to six years and worked for various farmers.

The incident occurred when Bharat did not report to work for three to four days and was instead working for another farmer on Wednesday, July 3. Sachin confronted the couple and started an argument.

He verbally abused and assaulted Bharat, striking him on the head with a sickle. When Bharat's wife, Anusuya, tried to intervene, Sachin hit her with the handle of the sickle, leaving Bharat critically injured.

Around 9:30 PM on Wednesday, as Anusuya was taking Bharat to the hospital, Sachin, accompanied by Sanjay, hit them with a car. Villagers rushed the injured couple to Sassoon Hospital, but Bharat was declared dead upon arrival due to severe head injuries. Anusuya later recounted the incident to the police, confirming the attack and the hit-and-run.

The police have registered a murder case and have arrested Sanjay Paigude, while the search for Sachin Paigude is ongoing. Assistant Police Inspector Sagar Pawar is leading the investigation.