Pune: Over 20 Armed Robbers Raid Lonavala Doctor’s Bungalow, Threaten And Steal ₹11.5 Lakh
Pune: Over 20 Armed Robbers Raid Lonavala Doctor’s Bungalow, Threaten And Steal ₹11.5 Lakh
Lonavla, May 28, 2025 — In a shocking late-night robbery, over 20 armed intruders stormed a private bungalow in Lonavla’s Pradhan Park, tying up residents and security personnel before fleeing with valuables worth more than ₹11.5 lakh.
The incident occurred at around 2:51 am on Tuesday at Om Shree Bungalow, owned by well-known physician Dr Hiralal Jagannath Khandelwal. According to police, a gang of at least 22 unidentified men broke through the property’s iron gate, main door grill, and bedroom locks using swords, kukris, and wooden sticks.
Once inside, the assailants overpowered the bungalow’s watchman, Ambadas Ramdas Raybone, and his wife, Varsha. The couple was tied up and gagged after being threatened and beaten. The attackers then entered the bedroom of Dr Khandelwal and his wife, Vijaya Khandelwal, subjected them to similar treatment, and issued death threats if they raised an alarm.
The gang ransacked the house and made away with gold, silver, diamond jewellery, and cash. The total value of the loot is estimated to be over ₹11.5 lakh.
A relative of Dr Khandelwal contacted the police, who arrived shortly after. However, locals alleged that the robbers fled in front of the arriving police team without resistance. Lonavla City Police Station Senior Inspector Suhas Jagtap denied the allegations, stating, “Our team reached the scene within 10 minutes. By then, the suspects had already begun to flee. We pursued them, but they disappeared into a nearby forest under the cover of darkness.”
This is the fourth attempted robbery at Dr Khandelwal’s residence in four years, with two, including this incident, being successful. In 2021, the accused were caught and the stolen property was recovered.
An FIR has been registered based on a complaint filed by Dr Khandelwal’s nephew, Tarun Khandelwal. The case includes charges under BNS sections 310(2), 311, 331(6), 351(3), 127, and provisions of the Arms Act.
Pune rural police have formed five investigation teams. The efforts are underway to trace the gang through CCTV footage and forensic evidence.
