Pune: Pimpri-Chinchwad Businessman Held at Gunpoint for Honking, Robbed of Gold Chain and Pistol
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Chikhali, 7th July 2025 — A shocking road rage incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday in the Triveni Nagar area on Talawade Road, where a 36-year-old businessman was held at gunpoint and robbed after honking at a rashly driven car. The accused not only snatched his gold chain but also took his licensed pistol.
The victim, Vicky Bhalerao, a resident of Talawade and a plotting businessman based in the Chikhali area, was returning home after celebrating his birthday in Marunji. He was accompanied by two friends, Praniket Jagtap and Aniket Chaudhary, when the incident occurred around 1:25 AM on Sunday.
As per the FIR registered at Chikhali Police Station, a car in front of Bhalerao’s was being driven recklessly. When he honked to signal for space, the vehicle abruptly stopped and blocked his path. Three individuals stepped out, brandished a pistol, and threatened the trio, placing the weapon against Bhalerao’s head.
One of the attackers snatched a gold chain from Bhalerao’s neck and also took his licensed pistol, which he had at his waist. The accused fled immediately after. Bhalerao then rushed to the police station and filed a complaint.
According to police sources, one of the accused has been identified as a minor. He has been detained by Chikhali Police and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). The search for the remaining two adult accused is ongoing.
A case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including 109 (attempt to murder), 309 (robbery), 127 (wrongful confinement), 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), along with applicable sections of the Arms Act, 1959, and the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
Assistant Police Inspector Navnath Mote is leading the investigation.
