Pune: Suicide Attempts Foiled At Lonikand Police Station Amidst Dispute Over Resto Bar’s Late Night Hours In Wagholi

Mubarak Ansari & Sumit Singh

Wagholi, 2nd April 2024: Tensions escalated at Lonikand Police Station as two youths attempted to set themselves ablaze on Monday evening, following a confrontation over a local hotel’s operating hours. The incident comes in the wake of a recent suicide at Wagholi Police Chowky, sparking renewed concern over law enforcement response and public safety.

The alarming sequence of events unfolded as the Lonikand Police Station (Pune City Police), grappling with ongoing controversies, faced another challenging situation. Night Patrol Officer Police Inspector (Crime) Seema Dhakne took swift action, registering a case against the owner and a worker of Hotel New Pyasa Resto and Bar in Ubalenagar, Wagholi. The hotel, reportedly open past permissible hours, became a focal point of contention.

According to police, the hotel remained operational well past 1:30 am on Sunday, prompting official intervention. In response, the hotel owner, identified as Satyawan Haushiram Gawde, along with his employee Ram Ashokrao Gajmal, visited the Lonikand Police Station on Monday evening to seek clarification. However, the encounter quickly escalated into a tense standoff.

Threats of self-harm echoed through the police station premises as Gawde allegedly resorted to drastic measures, warning of suicide if action was taken against his establishment. Despite police warnings emphasizing adherence to regulations and the criminality of suicide, the situation intensified.

Shortly thereafter, both individuals, in a dramatic turn of events, doused themselves with flammable substances near the entrance of the police station, intending to set themselves alight. Prompt intervention by officers and staff prevented tragedy as they swiftly apprehended the duo and confiscated the dangerous materials.

The attempted suicides have prompted legal action, with Lonikand police registering a case against the hotel owner and his accomplice for their actions within police station premises. Further investigation is going on.