A dramatic police encounter unfolded in Pune on Saturday evening, resulting in a wanted criminal sustaining a bullet injury. The incident took place in the Awhalwadi area of Chandannagar around 6:30 PM, when police tracking the suspect were met with gunfire.
The Chase and Exchange of Fire
Acting on specific intelligence, a police team led by Assistant Inspector Ganesh Jagdale and Sub-Inspector Ravindra Daware rushed to a spot near the Pune-Nagar highway. The tip-off suggested that the wanted individual, 20-year-old Omkar Dilip Bhandare, was hiding behind bushes along the Awhalwadi stretch.
Upon spotting the police personnel, Bhandare attempted to flee the scene. In a dangerous escalation, he fired a round from a country-made pistol towards the officers. Deputy Commissioner of Police Somay Munde stated that the police team was initially unaware that the criminal was armed. "He fired once while running, but no one was injured," Munde told TOI.
Police Retaliation and Arrest
Fearing a potential second attack that could endanger lives in the crowded locality, Sub-Inspector Ravindra Daware responded. He fired a single round from his service pistol, which struck Bhandare in his left thigh, effectively neutralizing the threat.
The injured criminal was immediately provided medical attention and rushed to Sassoon General Hospital. Authorities have confirmed that Bhandare's condition is stable and he is out of danger.
Background and Stern Warning from Police
DCP Somay Munde revealed that Omkar Bhandare was a wanted figure, actively being tracked by the police in connection with a vehicle vandalism case registered just a day earlier, on Friday. His reckless decision to open fire in a public area prompted the police response.
Munde issued a stern warning, emphasizing the police's zero-tolerance policy. "We will not tolerate such criminal activities in the city. Anyone taking the law into their own hands will face strict action," he asserted.
Following the incident, the Chandannagar police have initiated the process to register an attempt-to-murder case against Omkar Dilip Bhandare for his actions of firing at police personnel.
