Pune: The Crime Branch of Pimpri-Chinchwad police have arrested the suspect who had allegedly fired shots near the Phoenix Mall at Wakad on September 17.

Police investigation has revealed that the suspect is a criminal-on-police-record and had fired in air to spread terror in the area. The motive behind broad daylight firing was that the suspect was allegedly denied Mathadi work contract at the site.

The arrested suspect has been identified as Akshay alias Bala Lahu Shinde. According to police investigations, the gunfire was an act of frustration by Shinde, who had been unable to secure work as a mathadi (head loader).

Witnesses reported a sudden panic as Shinde fired shots in broad daylight, aiming to create an atmosphere of fear and terror in the bustling area.

Shinde, a habitual offender, was arrested by Pimpri-Chinchwad Police for firing shots in the air outside Gate No. 7 of Phoenix Mall, Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The incident, which took place on the day of Ganpati Visarjan, had led to a significant police response due to the potential threat to public safety.

Wakad Police, acting swiftly, took control of the situation. The Crime Branch Unit 4 analyzed CCTV footage from the location and, within hours, identified and apprehended Bala Shinde. Alongside him, the police also arrested Ranjit Nathuram Salgar, the driver of the car used in the crime, at Bhumkar Chowk.

Shinde, a repeat offender, admitted to the crime during interrogation, confessing that his intention was to spread fear in the area. The police are now investigating further to ascertain if there were any deeper motives behind the crime.