Pune, 12th August 2026: A 28-year-old man lost his life after allegedly being kicked and punched in the chest and abdomen during a heated argument that broke out over accidentally stepping on someone’s foot at a food stall in Ganesh Peth. The incident quickly escalated from a verbal exchange into a physical assault.
The incident took place around 3.30 pm on August 9 near Hari Om Juice Centre at Dulyamaruti Chowk. The deceased, Shivam Rajesh Pardeshi, was an autorickshaw driver and a resident of Ganesh Peth.
The accused, Vaibhav Kishor Salunkhe, 24, who works in a private company, is also from the same locality. Police said the two were known to each other prior to the incident.
According to police, Pardeshi was eating misal at a crowded food stall when he accidentally stepped on Salunkhe’s foot. This led to an argument between the two men, which soon turned violent.
Salunkhe allegedly attacked Pardeshi with kicks and punches, targeting his chest, abdomen, and other parts of his body before bystanders intervened and separated them.
After the altercation, Pardeshi returned home. He reportedly informed his mother that he was suffering from severe pain in his chest and abdomen and decided to rest. However, his condition did not improve over the next few hours.
Around 7 pm, when his mother tried to wake him, he did not respond. He was immediately taken to KEM Hospital with the help of neighbours, where doctors declared him dead before treatment could begin. Medical officials later suspected internal bleeding as the cause of death.
A post-mortem examination confirmed suspicion of internal injuries leading to Pardeshi’s death. Faraskhana police reviewed CCTV footage from the area, which reportedly captured the altercation.
Based on the evidence, police registered a murder case and arrested Vaibhav Salunkhe. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events and circumstances leading to the fatal assault.
