Pune: Father and Sons Arrested for Minor’s Murder: Friendship with Daughter and Old Feud Cited as Motives
Wagholi, 2nd January 2025: A senior citizen and his two sons have been detained by Pune Police for allegedly killing a minor boy in Pune’s Wagholi area. The incident occurred in Gore Wasti, Wagholi. The motive is believed to be old animosity and the minor’s ‘friendly’ relationship with the senior citizen’s daughter.
Following the incident, angered relatives of the deceased boy reportedly vandalized the accused’s house. Police intervened to control the situation.
The deceased boy’s father, Waghu Maruti Dhande (64, resident of Wagholi), filed a complaint at Wagholi Police Station. Police have arrested father Laxman Petkar (60) and his two sons Nitin (31) and Sudhir (32), all residents of Gore Wasti, Wagholi.
According to police reports, the deceased minor and Petkar’s daughter had a ‘friendly’ relationship, which was not approved by the Petkar family. There had been previous conflicts between the Dhande and Petkar families.
Late last night, the minor boy arrived at Gore Wasti on a two-wheeler and got into an argument with the Petkar family. The father-son trio allegedly began beating the boy, eventually striking his head with an iron rod and a stone. Police arrived at the scene but were unable to save the boy. The Petkars were subsequently arrested.
This morning, relatives of the deceased boy gathered at the police station, demanding strict action against the murderers. Senior Police Inspector Pandit Rejitwad, in charge of Wagholi Police Station, attempted to calm them and promised strict action.
The relatives then went to the Petkar’s house, throwing stones and damaging the property. Police rushed to the scene again and decided to guard the house. The deceased’s family initially planned to perform the final rites in front of the Petkar’s home.
Senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Himmat Jadhav, tried to reason with the deceased boy’s family. This afternoon, the final rites were performed.
