Pune: A group of 8 to 10 individuals armed with iron rods, bamboo sticks, and machetes caused widespread panic in the Bharat Talkies area of Bhavani Peth on Saturday (August 17) night. The gang vandalized vehicles and intimidated local residents. The police have arrested two known criminals in connection with the incident.

The arrested suspects are Saeed Amjad Pathan (20), a resident of Patryachi Chawl, Bhavani Peth, and Danish Asif Sheikh (19), from Harman Complex, Bhavani Peth. Both have a history of criminal activity, including charges related to attempted murder, rioting, violating assembly bans, and creating terror.

According to the complaint filed by Mohsin Tawkal Kamble (37), a resident of Veerbharti Society, Old Motor Stand, Bhavani Peth, the incident occurred around 11 PM outside the MK Soda shop adjacent to Bharat Talkies.

Kamble and his nephew, Kais Rahman Sunnewale, were inside the shop when the gang arrived in the alley with their weapons. They damaged the headlight cover of a motorcycle parked near Bharat Talkies and shattered the front glass of an Eicher truck owned by Kamble’s brother, Wasim Kamble.

When Kamble confronted the gang, they responded with verbal abuse and aggression. One of the attackers threatened Kamble with a steel rod, saying, “If you speak more, I won’t let you go; we are the local brothers, and if you continue, I will finish you off.”

The commotion drew a crowd, and the gang left the scene after making further threats and creating an atmosphere of fear.

In response to the incident, Police Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Pingale, Deputy Commissioner Amol Zende, Sandeep Singh Gill, Assistant Police Commissioner Ganesh Ingale, and Senior Police Inspector Salgavkar visited the location. Police Sub-Inspector Patil is leading the ongoing investigation.