Case Filed Against 10–15 People Including Bandu Khandve in Assault on MLA Bapu Pathare

Pune police register a case against Bandu Khandve and others for allegedly assaulting MLA Bapu Pathare, his driver, and staff during a confrontation in Lohegaon.

Pune, October 6, 2025 — Pune police have registered a case against ten to fifteen individuals, including political leader Bandu Khandve, for their alleged involvement in the assault of MLA Bapu Pathare, his driver, and security detail. The incident, which unfolded in Lohegaon around 9:15–9:45 PM on October 4, has quickly drawn political attention and public scrutiny.

According to the complaint filed at the Viman Nagar police station, the assault occurred during a public event organized in Lohgaon. MLA Pathare, representing the Vadgaon Sheri constituency, had attended the program when tensions escalated. He alleges that Khandve, associated with the Ajit Pawar faction of NCP, instigated the attack. Pathare says his bodyguard and driver were also assaulted when they intervened, and his nephew, who was present, suffered injuries as well.

The FIR, registered under multiple sections including assault and theft, names Bandu Khandve, Shekhar Moze, Vilas Khandve, Kalidas Khandve, Ganesh Khandve, Rameshwar Pole, Meghraj Khandve, Pratik Khandve, Sagar Karje, Omkar “Omya” Khandve, Haridas Khandve, Tukaram Khandve, Mangesh Khandve, Ramdas Khandve, and several unidentified persons. According to the complainant, during the attack, the assailants allegedly snatched a gold chain weighing two tolas (worth approximately ₹50,000) from Pathare’s neck, along with ₹1,000 in cash.

Pathare contends the confrontation stemmed from his remarks about ongoing civic work in Lohegaon—specifically road and drainage projects sanctioned on December 8, 2023, which, he said, were delayed by protest and opposition. When he asserted the work would proceed, Khandve purportedly objected and challenged him. That led to a heated verbal exchange, quickly spiraling into violence. Pathare says the assault was premeditated, drawing upon organized support, urging that the timing appeared politically motivated.

On the night of the incident, local law enforcement rushed to the scene, but clarity about registering the FIR was delayed until the following day. Authorities seized CCTV footage from nearby cameras and reported to be investigating whether the attackers attempted to disable surveillance equipment. Shivshakti units, senior officers like Senior Superintendent of Police Govind Jadhav and Officer Prashant Mane have been actively involved in oversight.

Khandve has denied the allegations, claiming he was also attacked. In public remarks, he said the event was a protest coordinated over civic grievances, and that the counter-charge was orchestrated. He stated, “I campaigned for Pathare before; now I’m loyal, so this staging is political.” He denied being the aggressor, insisting he reacted to provocation.

Local political observers see this as more than a street-level clash—many believe the assault reflects the tensions building ahead of the PMC and district-level elections, where control over local infrastructure projects, influence, and party alignments are under intense negotiation. The location, Lohegaon, is strategic for many ward-level battles, and visible conflict can sway public sentiment.

As proceedings continue, rights groups and civil society have called for strict, impartial enforcement. They argue that political figures should not be able to intimidate or physically coerce opponents. The Pune Police have assured that all parties will be investigated on the basis of evidence, including ballistics, CCTV, and forensic examination. Arrests may follow based on the strength of the case.

MLA Pathare’s office has pressed for punishment and demanded accountability from political leadership. He has also announced he will escalate the complaint to state party heads, including Ajit Pawar. Meanwhile, local residents of Lohgaon and Kharadi, where much of the confrontation occurred, remain tense and eager to see swift justice and a return to civic order.

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