Pune Police Nab Eight Suspects in Violent Iftar Gathering Attack
In a significant development, Saswad police on Friday arrested eight individuals in connection with a brutal assault on a group of 14 men during an Iftar gathering at Askarwadi lake near Bopdev Ghat on March 13. The arrests followed an early morning raid in Bhivari village, Purandar taluka, based on local intelligence inputs.
Details of the Arrests and Suspects
Investigating officer and assistant police inspector Vaibhav Sonawane stated, "The accused were arrested from a nearby village based on local intelligence. During questioning, they admitted to their involvement." The arrested individuals were produced before a court on Friday and remanded in police custody until March 30.
The suspects have been identified as Ganesh Valmik Katke (29), Ganesh Ashok Dalvi (39), Nikhil Vasant Katke (28), Sagar Narayan Katke (35), Sunil Ramdas Bhorade (36), Ajit Shantaram Katke (33), Yuvraj Bajirao Katke (38), and Rushikesh Sanjay Katke (23).
Incident Overview and Police Challenges
According to police reports, the assault occurred around 7 pm when a mob of approximately 150 men, armed with sticks and sharp weapons, arrived on motorcycles at the Iftar gathering. The attackers allegedly hurled abuses and physically assaulted the group, which included men from Kondhwa and Camp areas. While some victims managed to escape, several sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization.
Initially, police identified 10 to 15 suspects but faced difficulties in locating them as they had switched off their mobile phones and were frequently changing hideouts. "Efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining absconding accused," Sonawane added, highlighting the ongoing investigation.
Public Outcry and Political Response
The delay in making arrests sparked sharp criticism from local residents and political groups. Members of the Samajwadi Party (SP) staged a protest outside the Superintendent of Police's office in Pashan, demanding immediate action against the perpetrators.
Jambuvant Manohar, president of the Samajwadi Party's city unit, confirmed that the protest has been temporarily suspended following the arrests. "We have withdrawn our protest for now, but demand immediate arrest of remaining suspects," Manohar stated, emphasizing the need for swift justice.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about public safety and law enforcement responsiveness in the region, with authorities under pressure to ensure all involved are brought to justice promptly.
