Pune: PMC Encroachment Inspector Assaulted Over Seized Material
Pune, 10th October 2026: A Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) encroachment inspector was allegedly abused and kicked during a dispute over the return of material seized during an anti-encroachment drive at the Sinhagad Road ward office on Wednesday night.
The incident took place around 8.30 pm on October 7 in the parking area of the ward office. Sinhagad Road police have registered a case against Nitin Hanamghar (35), a resident of Janata Vasahat, for allegedly assaulting a civic official and obstructing government work.
According to the complaint, Hanamghar had visited the office to collect material seized during an anti-encroachment action. He got into an argument with encroachment inspector Dhammanand Sopan Gaikwad (43), a resident of Chincholi in Dehu Road. During the altercation, Hanamghar allegedly abused Gaikwad and kicked him on his left knee.
Security guards Santosh Gaikwad and Ravi Dhimdhime intervened and tried to restrain the accused.
The case was registered based on Gaikwad’s complaint. Assistant Police Inspector Rajkumar Adagale is investigating the matter.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of civic officials and employees during anti-encroachment drives. Staff have called for adequate security guards, CCTV surveillance and police deployment at ward offices wherever necessary.
