Pune: HSC Candidate Injured In Machete Attack Outside Kothrud Exam Centre
Pune: HSC Candidate Injured In Machete Attack Outside Kothrud Exam Centre
Pune | February 24, 2026: A 17-year-old Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidate was injured after being attacked with a machete outside an examination centre at Mamasaheb Mohol College in Kothrud on Tuesday afternoon, police officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 3 pm, shortly after the student exited the college premises following the completion of his Class 12 board examination. The victim, identified as Shankar Mirgane, was appearing as a private candidate and was not formally enrolled at the institution.
Police said three minors were involved in the assault. One of the suspects has been detained, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining two accused.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Sambhaji Kadam stated that the attack appears to be the result of a long-standing personal dispute. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim and the accused had earlier studied together in Warje Malwadi, where a conflict reportedly arose two to three years ago over a personal matter. Authorities believe the assault was a continuation of that earlier rivalry.
Mirgane sustained a head injury in the attack, but police said his condition is stable and he is out of danger. Personnel from Kothrud Police Station reached the scene promptly and recovered the weapon allegedly used in the crime. Further investigation is ongoing.
The incident has once again raised concerns over youth violence in Pune and surrounding regions. In a separate case last December, a minor was killed during a violent altercation in Rajgurunagar, prompting authorities to move the case before the Juvenile Justice Board to seek trial of the accused as an adult.
Police have assured strict action and increased vigilance around examination centres and educational institutions.
