Pune: A 15-year-old boy was critically injured after being struck on the head with a machete, after he refused to share his mobile headphones with the suspects, including three juveniles. The violent confrontation took place in Pimpri's Vitthal Nagar on June 16 at around 8pm. Pimpri Police have arrested one individual and detained three minors in connection with the incident.

A complaint has been filed by Najma Shafik Sheikh (50), a resident of Vitthal Nagar, with the Pimpri police. Following Sheikh’s complaint, one suspect Shrikant Babasaheb Javale (19) and other three minors have been charged under IPC sections 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), and the Arms Act. Javale has been arrested, and the minors are in police custody.

The altercation began when and three minors confronted the complainant’s son outside Vitthal Nagar building. Javale demanded the boy's headphone, but the request was denied, sparking an argument that quickly turned physical. According to the police, the complainant's nephew, visiting from Yerawada for the Bakri Eid festival, attempted to mediate the dispute. In the midst of the scuffle, Javale attacked the 15-year-old with a machete, causing severe head injuries. The police investigation is ongoing as they gather more details about the incident.

According to police data, between 2021 and May 22, 2024, a total of 1,681 juveniles have been identified as 'children in conflict with the law' in over 1,061 crime cases registered in the city.

The data highlights a concerning trend for 2024, where up until May 22, 169 juveniles were implicated in 95 cases citywide. In the Yerawada division alone, 41 juveniles were involved in 23 cases.