A youth was brutally killed in Panshet after asking five tourists not to smoke. The accused fled but were later arrested. The incident has raised serious concerns about tourist behavior.
Pune | June 21: What began as a peaceful monsoon outing turned into a tragic act of violence in the Panshet area near Pune. A local youth, 24-year-old Rohidas Kaluram Katkar, was brutally murdered by five tourists simply because he asked them not to smoke in a public space.
The shocking incident took place on June 15, when a group of five friends from the Narhe area of Pune, originally from Parbhani district, visited Panshet to enjoy the monsoon season. As they stood outside a hotel in the area, they were seen smoking cigarettes. Concerned about public safety and norms, Rohidas, a resident of the area, politely objected and requested them not to smoke.
However, what followed was unexpected and horrifying. Enraged by the interference, the group of tourists assaulted Rohidas, and one of them went a step further—striking him with a stone on the chest, which caused severe internal injury. Rohidas collapsed and died on the spot. Realizing the gravity of what they had done, the accused fled the scene immediately.
A case was promptly registered at the Velha Police Station, and an intensive investigation began. With the help of CCTV footage, Pune Rural Police and Velha Police teams tracked down and arrested all five accused—Akash Subhash Bhise, Bhagwat Munjaji Asuri, Ritesh Uttam Jogdand, Ramesh Rambhau Shelke, and Pandurang Bhanudas Sonawane. All five are now in police custody.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Panshet community, a popular destination for Varsha Vihar (monsoon picnics). Locals are now expressing fear and frustration, emphasizing the need for stricter control and regulation of tourists visiting the area. They are demanding action to ensure that such violent behavior is not repeated and that tourists show respect for local customs and communities.
As the investigation continues, the brutal murder of a young man over something as small as a smoking request remains a stark reminder of the urgent need to promote responsible tourism and community awareness.
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