Tourist Murder in Pune: Fatal Attack Over Minor Traffic Dispute Near Lonavala, Nine Booked, Two Arrested
Lonavala, 27th May 2025: A shocking incident of murder and assault unfolded near Lonavala after a minor dispute over vehicle maneuvering escalated into fatal violence. The incident occurred late on Sunday night (May 25) near Dahivali village, close to Karla Caves, at a farmhouse location.
According to police information, a verbal altercation erupted between tourists and local youths over the issue of turning a vehicle in the Karla Caves area. The argument quickly turned violent, resulting in a brutal attack on the tourists. Locals reportedly assaulted the victims with iron rods, sticks, and whips, causing severe injuries to Kamlesh Tanaji Dhopevakar (45, resident of Guhagar, Ratnagiri District), who sustained critical head injuries. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed during treatment.
Two other tourists, identified as Manoj Madhukar Varwatkar (42) and Pravin Uday Mehta (26), both also from Ratnagiri district, were injured in the attack and are currently undergoing medical treatment. The group had come to Lonavala for tourism and to visit the Ekvira Devi temple.
A complaint has been registered by Manoj Varwatkar at the Lonavala Rural Police Station, where a murder case has been filed against nine individuals. Two of the accused have already been arrested. The main accused named in the FIR include Nikesh Kambire (resident of Karjat), Pratik Deshmukh, Yash Kailas Padwal (both from Maval), and Gaurav Sanjay Pattadhari (resident of Lonavala), along with four to five others.
The investigation is being conducted by Assistant Police Inspector Prashant Aware under the guidance of Police Inspector Kishor Dhumal.
