Pune: A man under the influence of alcohol opened fire at an ambulance attempting to transport his friend to a de-addiction center. The incident occurred on Thursday (December 12) night in the Bakori area near Nagar Road. The Wagholi Police arrested three individuals involved: Vishal Ramdas Kolte (32), Sandeep Kailas Hargude (42), and Amol Rajaram Hargude (36).

According to the complaint filed by ambulance driver Sudhakar Arun Kande (35), the three men were drinking at Aryan Beer Bar around 9 PM. When the ambulance arrived to take Sandeep to the de-addiction center in Loni Kalbhor, he allegedly provoked Vishal, who fired two shots from his licensed revolver at the ambulance driver. Thankfully, the bullets did not hit anyone.

The situation escalated further when Vishal and Amol pelted stones at the ambulance, damaging its windows. Senior Police Inspector Pandit Rejitwad of Wagholi Police Station and his team acted swiftly, detaining Vishal and Amol at the scene.

A subsequent search of Vishal’s residence revealed 16 live cartridges, two spent cartridges, and a licensed revolver with six cartridges (three live and three spent). Police also seized a Thar vehicle and a car belonging to the accused.

Family’s Efforts to Curb Addiction

Sandeep’s family had sent him to the de-addiction center multiple times to help him overcome his addiction. However, he had escaped twice and continued drinking, creating disturbances for his family. On Thursday, his wife contacted the center again for his admission. When the staff arrived to escort him, the intoxicated trio intervened, leading to the incident.