Pune: A tempo driver was brutally attacked with a sickle and an iron rod by two individuals in Rahatani on Friday (September 6) night, following a dispute over mud being splashed on them by the driver’s vehicle.

The incident occurred at 11:30 PM in Lane No. 1 of Shivrajnagar, Rahatani, and has left the victim, Vishal Nathu Gaikwad (30), with serious injuries.

According to the police report filed at Wakad Police Station, the assault was carried out by Kishor Panchal (20) and Karan alias Munna Gajanan Chopwad (24), both residents of Rahatani.

Following the complaint, the police arrested Panchal while charges of attempted murder have been filed against his accomplice, Chopwad.

The altercation began when Gaikwad, who had parked his tempo in front of his workshop, was conversing with Mahadev Muriappa Yetimani and Linga Shivappa Katmani, workers from a neighboring shop.

Panchal and Chopwad, known to Gaikwad, approached the group, accusing Gaikwad of splashing mud on them with his tempo. The situation quickly escalated when Chopwad, without heeding any explanations, brandished a sickle and threatened, "You’ve become too arrogant, today we will end you."

Chopwad then attempted to strike Gaikwad on the head with the sickle. Although Gaikwad managed to evade the initial attack, the blow landed on his shoulder and back, resulting in severe injuries.

During the attack, Panchal also used an iron rod to strike Gaikwad on the head. Gaikwad raised his hand in self-defense, but the rod struck his right finger, causing further injuries. Sub-Inspector Vyankat Pote is leading the investigation.