Pune: Saswad Police Arrest Eight Accused in Askarwadi Iftar Assault Case

Pune/Saswad, 27th March 2026: Eight persons have been arrested in connection with an alleged attack on a group of Muslim youths during Iftar in the Bopdev Ghat area of Pune district on Friday evening. Police said efforts are underway to trace other suspects involved in the incident.

According to police, the incident occurred around 6.30 pm near a lake in the Askarwadi–Bhivari area, where a group of youths had gathered to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. A group of around 100 people allegedly arrived on motorcycles and attacked them, leading to a tense situation in the area for some time.

Based on a complaint filed by Firoz Javed Sayyed, a case has been registered against unidentified persons at Saswad police station. The First Information Report (FIR) states that the attackers allegedly threatened the youths, forced them to remove their skull caps, and assaulted them with sticks and sharp weapons.

At least 11 youths sustained injuries in the attack, including injuries to the head and face. All the injured are currently undergoing medical treatment.

Saswad police station inspector Kumar Kadam said, “Eight persons have been arrested in this case. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the remaining accused with the help of CCTV footage from the spot.”

The arrested accused have been identified as Ganesh Valmik Katke (29), Ganesh Ashok Dalvi (39), Nikhil Vasant Katke (28), Sagar Narayan Katke (35), Sunil Ramdas Bhorade (36), Ajit Shantaram Katke (33), Yuvraj Bajirao Katke (38), and Hrishikesh Sanjay Katke (23). All the accused are residents of Bhivari in Purandar taluka of Pune district and were arrested in the early hours of March 27. Police said further investigation in the case is ongoing.

Advocate Tosif Shaikh represented the complainant in the matter and assisted in the legal process, including filing the complaint and submitting relevant evidence to the police. He has also been following up with the authorities regarding action in the case.