Pune, 18 March 2026: A disturbing incident has emerged from Dahiwadi village in Shirur taluka near Pune, where a 12-year-old boy was found dead in a sugarcane field, raising serious concerns among locals.
The deceased, Sairaj Manjare, was a Class 6 student at School in Talegaon Dhamdhere. He had gone out to play on March 17 after returning from school. Later that evening, around 5 pm, his body was found near a well in a semi-nude condition.
Initial reports indicate a head injury, but the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed. The circumstances have led villagers to suspect foul play, though officials have stated that clarity will come only after the post-mortem and forensic examination.
The incident has caused greater alarm as a similar case was reported at the same location last year. On June 21, 2024, the body of 11-year-old Yash Gaikwad was found in the same field under suspicious circumstances. At the time, a possible leopard attack was suspected, but no definite conclusion was reached.
Following the latest incident, police, forensic teams, dog squad, and forest department officials reached the scene and began investigations. Villagers, however, refused to take custody of the body until a case was registered and the accused were arrested.
Police have now registered a case and collected forensic samples. Meanwhile, villagers have issued a 12-hour ultimatum, warning of protests if swift action is not taken. The area remains tense, with fear and anger prevailing among residents.