A monetary dispute related to the trade of lubricant oil erupted into fatal violence in a Pune village, leading to one death, one injury, and the arrest of ten individuals by the rural police. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night in Mundhware village near Kamshet.
Dispute Over Dues Escalates to Gunfire
The confrontation, according to police, was the culmination of a financial disagreement between two groups involved in the lubricant oil business. The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Rohit Madan Kurma from Pimpri's Ramnagar. His friend, 20-year-old Prashant Jadhav from Deulgaon, sustained injuries during the altercation.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Gajanan Tompe stated that the police have arrested lubricant oil trader Harish Singh (53) from Pimpri and his driver, Ashok Kumar Singh (60) from Morwadi. Both have been booked under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
"Ashok opened fire from his licensed revolver during the altercation," DSP Tompe confirmed. However, in a parallel case, police have also registered an attempt to murder complaint against ten people from the opposing group for attacking Harish Singh and Ashok Singh.
Sequence of Events: From Argument to Attack
Investigations reveal that Harish Singh had an ongoing financial dispute with a man named Akash Rajput from Dehu Road. Approximately five days before the violent clash, the two had heated arguments over the phone regarding a business deal.
The situation came to a head on Tuesday night. Inspector Shankar Patil of Kamshet police explained that Harish Singh and his driver were at a dhaba in Mundhware village when Akash Rajput arrived with ten accomplices. The group allegedly confronted Harish Singh over unpaid dues, verbally abused him, and then proceeded to damage his car with billhooks and sticks.
"The gang smashed the car's windscreen, dragged Ashok out of the vehicle, and attacked him," Inspector Patil detailed. In response, Ashok Singh claimed he fired two rounds in the air in self-defence. Tragically, one bullet struck Rohit Kurma in the eye, causing his death, while another bullet grazed Prashant Jadhav's nose. Following the shooting, the attacking group fled the scene.
Counter-Allegations and Criminal Histories
The injured victim, Prashant Jadhav, has filed a counter-complaint. He alleges that when he and his associates approached the duo to discuss the pending dues, Harish Singh instigated his driver to open fire on them.
Police custody has been granted for the accused. Harish Singh and Ashok Singh have been remanded in police custody until December 12. Additionally, eight individuals from the opposing group have been arrested for attempted murder and remanded for six days.
Authorities noted that several individuals involved have a history of criminal activity. Harish Singh had two prior cases, now disposed of. Akash Rajput has three cases registered with Dehu Road police, and the deceased, Rohit Kurma, had three cases against him in Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune Rural jurisdictions.
