Pune: Reel Creators’ Dispute Turns Violent; Flying Gypsy Cafe to Remain Closed

Deccan, 18th August 2026: The Flying Gypsy Cafe in the Deccan area will remain closed until the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) takes action against the establishment, police officials said. The development follows an alleged sickle attack on a young man outside the cafe in the early hours of August 15 after a dispute involving social media reel creators.

The Deccan Police have written to the PMC seeking action against the cafe following complaints of alleged violations. Police have asked the civic body to inspect the establishment’s Shop Act registration and other regulatory compliances and take appropriate action.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Krushikesh Rawle said the cafe would be allowed to reopen only after the PMC completes its action.
Three Arrested in Sickle Attack
Police have arrested three people, including two women who are reportedly social media reel creators, in connection with the alleged attempt to murder Atharva Jagtap.

The arrested accused have been identified as Madhavi Rajesh Kumbhar (22), a resident of Kalepadal, Hadapsar; Snehal Sanjay Sonke (20), a resident of Pimple Gurav; and Sharadul Oval, a resident of Hadapsar.

According to police, the incident occurred at around 3.45 am on August 15, when the cafe was still operating. A dispute allegedly broke out between two groups of reel creators, following which Atharva was attacked with a sickle.

Police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. A case has been registered against eight accused, of whom three have been arrested so far. Police said accused Prem alias Pamya Manoj Salve allegedly attacked Atharva with the sickle.

Complaints Over Late-Night Operations
The Flying Gypsy Cafe has reportedly faced controversy over the past few months. Local residents had allegedly complained to the police about late-night operations, disputes and disturbances involving groups of youngsters.

According to police, the cafe was operating until around 3.45 am on August 15 despite instructions regarding the permitted operating hours for establishments in the city.

Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has directed establishments to follow prescribed closing times as part of measures to maintain law and order. While police have taken action in cases involving violations, questions have been raised over whether separate action should also be taken against the cafe management for allegedly operating beyond the permitted hours.

The police have now referred the matter to the PMC for further action.
Dispute Between Reel Creators
Police said Atharva Jagtap and accused Madhavi Kumbhar had allegedly been involved in a dispute for nearly a year. The two reportedly had an argument at Kaas Plateau in Satara over an alleged vehicle-overtaking incident.

The dispute allegedly continued on social media, with both sides posting reels and videos aimed at mocking or provoking each other.

According to the investigation, Atharva was at the Flying Gypsy Cafe with his friends on August 15 when Madhavi allegedly called her associates to the cafe. The dispute subsequently escalated, resulting in the alleged sickle attack on Atharva.

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident and the alleged regulatory violations by the cafe.