Pune: Rickshaw Driver Robs 61-Year-Old Delhi Man at Knifepoint in Bhimashankar Forest
Pune, 14th July 2025: In a shocking incident, a 61-year-old businessman from Delhi was allegedly robbed at knifepoint by a rickshaw driver in the forested area of Bhimashankar, a popular pilgrimage site in Maharashtra. A case has been registered at Bundgarden Police Station, and police are currently on the lookout for the absconding accused.
According to police, the victim, a resident of the Badarpur area in South Delhi, had arrived in Pune on the morning of Saturday, July 12, for business purposes. After getting off the train around 9 a.m. near Pune Railway Station, he expressed his desire to visit Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar, one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas.
The businessman hired a rickshaw from outside the parcel office near the station, where the driver assured him that he would take him to Bhimashankar and back for darshan. The fare was negotiated and fixed in advance due to the long distance involved.
Robbery in the Guise of a Pilgrimage Ride
The duo began the journey around 9:15 a.m. and reached Bhimashankar by 1:00 p.m. After the darshan, they started their return journey around 4:00 p.m. However, on the way back, the rickshaw driver stopped in a secluded stretch of forest road, allegedly pulled out a knife, and threatened to kill the businessman if he did not hand over his money.
The victim was reportedly forced to transfer ₹4,500 online, and the rickshaw driver also looted ₹15,000 in cash from his pocket—bringing the total amount to ₹19,500. After the robbery, the accused left the victim stranded in the forest and fled the scene.
Victim Reaches Police After Ordeal
Frightened and shaken, the businessman sought help from devotees passing by and eventually made his way back to Pune. He immediately approached Bundgarden Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Senior Police Inspector Ravindra Gaikwad visited the parcel office area where the rickshaw was hired. Police have reviewed CCTV footage from the vicinity and are working to identify the accused. Police Sub-Inspector Chavan is currently leading the investigation.
