Pune Double Murder Accused Hacked to Death in Retaliatory Attack
In a shocking incident of retaliatory violence, Mahesh Bhagwat (29), the primary accused in a brutal 2021 double murder case, was hacked to death by a gang of five men on Friday evening. The attack occurred around 9 pm at Patas, located approximately 65 kilometers from Pune city.
Background of the 2021 Double Murder
Bhagwat's murder appears to be a direct consequence of the earlier double homicide. On July 4, 2021, Bhagwat and three accomplices bludgeoned Shivam Shitkal (23) and Ganesh Makar (23) to death following a prolonged two-year dispute. The conflict involved frequent verbal abuse between the parties. The situation escalated when Shitkal and Makar confronted Bhagwat's group, leading to their fatal assault.
Details of the Fatal Attack
According to police reports, Bhagwat was traveling with three aides on two motorcycles toward Patas. As they approached the Mukadamwadi bridge on the Pune-Solapur highway, a pick-up truck carrying the five accused intentionally collided with their motorcycles. All four individuals on the bikes sustained injuries from the crash.
The assailants then specifically targeted Bhagwat with sharp weapons, hacking him to death before fleeing the scene. Local residents quickly responded, transporting the injured to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, doctors pronounced Bhagwat dead upon arrival.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Bapurao Dadas, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Daud Division) of the Pune Rural police, confirmed that Bhagwat's murder was "the fallout of the double murder." Authorities have arrested three of the five accused involved in Friday's attack. A manhunt is currently underway to locate the two remaining suspects.
Among those arrested are Santosh Shitkal and Anand Makar, relatives of the victims from the 2021 double murder case. A police officer from the Pune Rural police stated, "Our investigations are on," indicating ongoing efforts to uncover further details and motives behind the retaliatory killing.
Community Impact and Legal Proceedings
This violent episode highlights the dangerous cycle of revenge killings in the region. The police are intensifying their investigation to prevent further escalation. Key aspects of the case include:
- The connection between the 2021 murders and Friday's attack
- Identification and apprehension of the two fugitive suspects
- Examination of the weapons used in the hacking
- Assessment of potential threats to other individuals involved in the original case
As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging community members to cooperate and report any relevant information to ensure justice is served and prevent additional violence.
