Pune: A shocking case of attempted murder unfolded in the bustling Mandai area on the night of September 8, when a disagreement about being dropped off escalated into a brutal stabbing.
The incident occurred when two men, who were frustrated by the crowd gathered to see Ganeshotsav Pandaldecorations, stabbed a man in the back after he refused to take them further.
The Khadak Police have arrested one of the accused, Riyaz Lalasahib Devangav (31), a resident of Janata Vasahat, while his accomplice, identified only as Paigambar, is also facing charges of attempted murder.
The victim, Rajkumar Jagannath Sagar (45), a resident of Ambegaon, is currently in critical condition in the ICU of Chaitanya Hospital. His statement was recorded by the police at the hospital.
According to the police report, Rajkumar was approached by Riyaz and Paigambar while he was sitting on his motorcycle near Anand Math at around 8 PM on September 8. The two men requested that Rajkumar drop them off at Pune Station.
Rajkumar explained that he was heading to Kalpana Hotel to pick up his wife and could only take them as far as Mandai. He also mentioned he would visit the Dagdusheth Ganpati temple on the way back.
The trio set off on Rajkumar’s motorcycle, traveling through SP Chowk and Kala Houd Chowk, before encountering a dense crowd at Mandai, where Ganeshotsav decorations were on display. Rajkumar was forced to stop the bike due to the heavy traffic, explaining that it was impossible to move forward.
Frustrated by this, Riyaz and Paigambar demanded that he continue to Mandai, but Rajkumar refused. In a fit of rage, Riyaz grabbed Rajkumar by the collar and threatened him, saying, "Do you know who we are? How do you think you'll survive after this?" Riyaz then pulled out a knife and stabbed Rajkumar in the back.
Rajkumar collapsed to the ground, bleeding profusely, while his assailants fled the scene. Bystanders quickly came to his aid and rushed him to Chaitanya Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment in the ICU.
Riyaz was swiftly apprehended, and police are now searching for Paigambar, who is on the run. Assistant Police Inspector Harshal Kadam is leading the investigation.