A minor parking dispute escalated into a violent clash between two groups in Kondhwa, Pune, on the night of Wednesday, March 19. The altercation, which initially began as an argument between two individuals, quickly turned into a full-blown brawl, prompting police intervention.
According to the police, the confrontation began around 11 PM when 32-year-old Ganesh Subhash Rakhpasare, a resident of Ashraf Nagar, Kondhwa Budruk, attempted to park his car on a public road near Sana Hospital, close to Gausiya Hotel in Kausar Baug. Hospital staff objected to the parking, leading to a heated argument between Rakhpasare and the authorities.
As the argument unfolded, 30-year-old Ashraf Ashfak Shaikh, a resident of Bhagyalakshmi Tower, Mithanagar in Kondhwa, intervened and accused Rakhpasare of staring at him. Senior Police Inspector Vinay Patnakar of Kondhwa Police Station told The Free Press Journal that Shaikh confronted Rakhpasare, asking, “Why are you staring at me?” This led to a verbal altercation, which soon turned physical.
Amid the escalating tension, Shaikh attacked Rakhpasare with a sharp weapon. In response, Rakhpasare called his brothers for assistance, leading to a retaliatory attack on Shaikh. The situation further deteriorated as more individuals from both sides joined in the fight, escalating it into a violent group clash.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos in the area as a large crowd gathered around the scene. A viral video circulating on social media captures a mob surrounding a car and attacking the people inside.
Police officials rushed to the scene to restore order and prevent further violence. Both Rakhpasare and Shaikh sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Sassoon General Hospital for treatment.
The police have arrested three individuals in connection with the incident, including Rakhpasare and Shaikh. Preliminary investigations have revealed that both individuals have a criminal history. Additionally, Shaikh has a pending case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and officials have stated that if more individuals are found to be involved in the violence, additional arrests will be made.
