Pune, 3rd December 2024: A tragic incident in the Narhe area has led to the death of a 20-year-old youth, who was brutally assaulted on suspicion of stealing petrol.

The Sinhagad Road Police have registered a case against four individuals, including a former deputy sarpanch, in connection with the case.

The deceased, identified as Samarth Netaji Bhagat, was a resident of Venkateshwara Society near Abhinav College Road, Narhe.

According to the complaint lodged by his father, Netaji Sopan Bhagat, the assault took place on November 25 around 6 a.m. near the office of former deputy sarpanch Sushant Kute in Manaji Nagar.

Samarth’s motorcycle had run out of petrol, and he was seen siphoning fuel from another bike. Mistaking him for a thief, the accused—Gaurav Sanjay Kute (24), Ajinkya Chandrakant Gandale (20), and Rahul Somnath Lohar (23)—allegedly attacked him with punches and kicks. Critically injured, Samarth succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital.

The victim’s family alleged that the police initially delayed registering a case. Following their complaint, the Sinhagad Road Police arrested three of the accused.

However, former deputy sarpanch Sushant Suresh Kute remains absconding, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend him.

Police have acquired video footage of the assault and have confiscated the accused’s mobile phones for further investigation. The incident has shocked the local community, raising questions about law enforcement’s initial response to the case.