Pune: In a startling incident, a construction businessman was arrested for firing shots inside a restaurant in the Mhalunge area to intimidate patrons.

The Pimpri Chinchwad police have detained Balasaheb Vyankatrao Darade, a 41-year-old resident of Susgaon, Mulshi, after he fired at the wall of Hotel Image, a family restaurant, on Friday night.

The accused, Balasaheb Vyankatrao Darade (41), is a resident of Susgaon, Mulshi. The Hinjewadi police have charged him under Sections 110 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections of the Indian Arms Act.

Providing details about the incident, Police Inspector Kanhaiya Thorat said, "The accused, Balasaheb Darade, went to Hotel Image, a family restaurant, on Friday (August 2) night.

He was seated in the air-conditioned section on the first floor. During this time, he fired at the restaurant's wall to create fear among the people. We have since arrested him. The accused identified himself as a construction businessman."

The police said, "The gunfire by Balasaheb Darade caused panic among the restaurant's patrons. Some people even fled from their tables."

The investigation revealed that the accused had a license to carry a firearm. After the incident, the police presented Darade before the court, which granted one day's police custody.

The police have confiscated his gun and are conducting further investigations. They are also questioning other patrons who were present in the restaurant at the time.