Pune: In a swift police operation, three suspects accused of murdering social worker Balasaheb Randive were arrested by the Bibwewadi Police within 24 hours of the crime.

The arrested individuals—Rahul Dattatraya Khude (40), Sachin Dattatraya Khude (34), and Surajsingh Dilipsingh Dudhani (27), all residents of Dias Plot, Gultekdi—were caught while attempting to flee.

The incident arose from previous enmity between Randive and the accused, exacerbated by a recent argument over a message Randive had posted in a WhatsApp group.

On the day of the murder, Randive was sitting and having tea at a shed in front of Savitri Hotel in Market Yard when the accused arrived, armed with sharp weapons.

They attacked Randive with machetes, inflicting severe injuries. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Randive succumbed to his injuries the following morning.

The police were quick to act on a tip received by Constable Sumit Takpere, who learned that the accused were attempting to escape towards Satara via the Katraj Ghat. Acting swiftly, the police set up a trap in Katraj Ghat and successfully arrested the three suspects before they could flee.

The arrests were made under the leadership of Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police R. Raja, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Dhanyakumar Godse. Senior Police Inspector Mangal Modhve, Crime Inspector Manojkumar Londhe, Sub-Inspector Ashok Yewle, and several other officers were involved in the operation.