Pune: Youth Beaten to Death on Petrol Theft Suspicion in Narhe; Case Registered Against Four, Including Former Deputy Sarpanch

Narhe, 3rd December 2024: A 20-year-old youth, Samarth Netaji Bhagat, was brutally beaten up in Narhe on suspicion of stealing petrol. The assault, which occurred on November 25, led to Samarth’s death during treatment at a private hospital. The Sinhagad Road police have registered a case against four individuals, including former deputy sarpanch Sushant Suresh Kute, who is currently absconding.

Samarth, a resident of Venkateshwara Society on Abhinav College Road in Narhe, ran out of petrol near the office of Sushant Kute in Manajinagar around 6 a.m. on November 25. While attempting to refill his vehicle from another two-wheeler, he was allegedly mistaken for a thief. Gaurav Sanjay Kute (24), along with Ajinkya Chandrakant Gandle (20) and Rahul Somnath Lohar (23), reportedly assaulted him with sticks.

Samarth sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them after several days of treatment. His father, Netaji Sopan Bhagat, lodged a complaint at the Sinhagad Road police station, Pune City Police, following his son’s death.

The police have arrested Gaurav Kute, Ajinkya Gandle, and Rahul Lohar, while former deputy sarpanch Sushant Kute remains on the run. A search operation is underway to locate him.

According to Samarth’s family, the police initially hesitated to register the case. However, a video clip of the assault emerged, prompting action. The police have also seized the mobile phones of the accused for further investigation.