Pune News: Food Vendor Assaulted in Wakad Over Extortion Demand, Two Arrested
Pune News: Food Vendor Assaulted in Wakad Over Extortion Demand, Two Arrested ( Representative Image )
Pimpri: A shocking incident unfolded in Wakad, where a food vendor was assaulted, and his belongings were thrown onto the street after he refused to pay extortion money. The accused, claiming local dominance, allegedly threatened vendors, demanding weekly payments in exchange for allowing them to do business.
Two suspects, Amol Kisan Kalate (38) and Avinash Kisan Kalate (40), both residents of SuCasa Society, Wakad, have been arrested in connection with the case, while another individual has been booked. The complaint was filed by Sagar Ashok Shinde (37), a local food vendor, at Wakad Police Station.
According to the police, Sagar Shinde operates a food cart on the pavement in Wakad. The accused approached him, demanding extortion money, stating, “If you want to do business here, you have to pay hafta (protection money).” When Shinde refused, Amol Kalate allegedly assaulted him.
The accused also targeted other nearby vendors, including burger shop owner Salman Ansari, panipuri vendor Jitlal, and bookseller Vishal, demanding payments and physically assaulting them. Additionally, the miscreants vandalized the vendors’ carts, throwing their goods onto the road and causing significant losses.
Amol Kalate further intimidated the vendors, shouting, “I am a local resident here. You must pay me hafta, or I won’t let you do business.” His aggressive behavior instilled fear among small business owners in the area.
Sub-Inspector Atul Jadhav is leading the investigation.
