Pune: Youth Assaulted Near Viman Nagar Society Gate By Intoxicated Group; Residents Demand Action
Pune News: Close Associate Of Rajendra Hagawane Booked For Criminal Intimidation
Viman Nagar, Pune: A shocking incident of unprovoked violence unfolded near Gangapuram Housing Society in Viman Nagar on Sunday evening, May 11, when a resident’s son was physically assaulted by a group of intoxicated youngsters near a roadside stall opposite Dorabjee’s. The assault has triggered serious concerns among residents about growing lawlessness and the lack of police patrolling in the area.
Janarus D’Souza, a long-time resident of Gangapuram Society, recounted the incident to Pune Pulse. “At around 7:45 PM, my son was near our society gate with his bike when a group of boys sitting at a roadside tapri suddenly threw a bottle at his head. They appeared to be drinking. When he questioned them, they mocked him. As he asked again, three of them became aggressive, snatched his bike keys, and abused him, asking him to leave his vehicle and walk away.”
D’Souza further added, “My son began recording the incident on his phone. One of the youths, clearly under the influence of drugs and alcohol, picked up a large construction stone and hurled it at his head. By God’s grace, it hit his chest and hand instead. They continued throwing stones at him despite his repeated pleas. He managed to escape and was later taken to Sassoon Hospital for treatment. An FIR has been registered.”
He also highlighted the broader issue of rising hooliganism in the area. “Every evening, large groups gather at these roadside stalls to drink openly. They harass Symbiosis College students, throw bottles and stones at pedestrians. It’s a hazardous environment. There haven’t been fatalities yet, but unless authorities act, it’s only a matter of time. I urge all nearby societies to come together to prevent future tragedies.”
Expressing deep concern, D’Souza noted that the area between Kailash Super Market Chowk and Ganpati Mandir Chowk has effectively become a “drinking paradise” with no visible police presence. “Is it even legal to have an alcohol shop right opposite a school? These unauthorized stalls near our society gate must be removed. One of the miscreants even owns one of them.”
When D’Souza raised the matter with Surendra Pathare with the higher authorities, the youths were taken into custody on Monday, May 12.
Two accused have been booked under Section 129 and have been sent to prison.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and reignited demands for stricter enforcement and elimination of unauthorized roadside stalls that have become a hub for anti-social elements.
