Pune: A shocking incident of arson and vandalism occurred in Kothrud, Pune, on the night of Holi (Dhulawad festival). Two men, furious over their friend’s refusal to drink alcohol, allegedly set his motorcycle on fire, causing damage to other vehicles parked nearby. The Kothrud police have arrested the two accused.
The incident took place in Raut Wadi, Hanuman Nagar, Kothrud, where the victim, Shibukumar Thakur, resided. On Holi night, his two friends, Kanhai Thakur (28, carpenter) and Hiralal Sharma (24, carpenter), invited him for a drinking session. However, Shibukumar refused, stating that his wife did not permit him to drink. Following his refusal, he locked himself inside his house.
His two friends, enraged by his decision, decided to teach him a lesson. In a fit of anger, they set his parked two-wheeler on fire. The flames spread to other motorcycles in the parking area, resulting in severe damage.
As the fire intensified and spread, the two accused fled the scene. The incident occurred late at night, and locals soon noticed the fire. Residents alerted the police, who arrived at the location and launched an investigation.
Following a complaint lodged by the victim, Shibukumar Thakur, the Kothrud police registered a case and launched a search for the accused. Within a short period, both suspects, Kanhai Thakur and Hiralal Sharma, were arrested.
The police have booked them under charges related to arson, vandalism, and public disturbance. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are assessing the total damage caused by the fire.
The incident has left residents shocked, as a trivial disagreement over alcohol led to a serious crime. Many locals have expressed concern over such violent reactions to minor disputes.