Pune: Local Goons Terrorize Shopkeepers Outside Phoenix Mall in Wakad, Demand Protection Money
Wakad, 25th February 2025: A group of local goons attacked and vandalized four shops outside Phoenix Mall in Wakad, Pune, on 23rd February to demand extortion and spread terror across the area. The attackers demanded protection money from the shopkeepers and resorted to violence when refused.
The incident occurred around 9:30 PM when six men, claiming to be ‘local bhais’, arrived in a Mahindra Scorpio Car and demanded “hafta” (protection money) from the shopkeepers. When Sagar Ashok Shinde, 37, who owns a food cart called “Love Momos,” refused to pay, the situation quickly escalated.
Led by Amol Kisan Kalate, 38, and Avinash Kisan Kalate, 40, both residents of Wakad, the group brutally assaulted Shinde and three other shopkeepers. The attackers then proceeded to vandalize the shops, throwing merchandise onto the street. A book stall was among the targeted shops, with books scattered across the road.
The assailants, shouting threats like “We are local here. You have to pay us protection money. Otherwise, We won’t let you do business here,” created an atmosphere of terror before fleeing the scene.
Wakad police have registered a case against Amol Kalate, Avinash Kalate, Kaustubh Pawar, and three others based on Shinde’s complaint. Amol and Avinash Kalate have been arrested, while the search for the other suspects is ongoing.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of small business owners in the area and the persistence of extortion rackets. Police Sub-Inspector Atul Jadhav is leading the investigation into this case of violence and attempted extortion.
