Pune: Tourist Killed, Two Injured In Attack Over Traffic Dispute In Lonavala; Two Arrested, Manhunt Underway
Pune: Lohegaon Man Held With 12 Kg Ganja Worth ₹3 Lakh
Lonavla, May 28, 2025 — A tourist from Ratnagiri was killed and two others injured in a brutal assault near a farmhouse in Dahiwali village, Lonavla, on May 25. Police have arrested two suspects and launched a manhunt for at least six more individuals involved in the attack.
The deceased has been identified as Kamlesh Tanaji Dhopavkar (45), who was fatally struck on the head with an iron rod. The two injured victims have been identified as Manoj Varavatkar and Prajwal Mehta, also from Ratnagiri.
According to the Lonavla Rural Police, the incident occurred between 6:45 pm and 7:15 pm near Yewale farmhouse, where a group of 15 tourists was staying. An argument reportedly broke out over vehicle movement as the group was preparing to leave the premises.
The FIR, filed by Varavatkar, states that the altercation began when two accused — Yash Padwal and Gaurav Pattadhari — blocked their vehicles and seized the keys. Shortly afterward, they allegedly returned with Nikesh Kambire, Pratik Deshmukh, and several unidentified assailants armed with iron rods, pipes, wooden sticks, and other blunt objects. The group then launched a violent attack on the tourists.
Both Padwal and Pattadhari have been remanded to police custody till May 30. Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend Kambire, Deshmukh, and four to five other unidentified individuals.
The incident is being investigated thoroughly. We are actively pursuing leads to arrest all those involved. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 103(1) for murder, 109 for abetment, and 118(1) for unlawful assembly, among others.
Police presence in the area has been increased, and further inquiries are underway.
