Panic gripped Mahal area on Tuesday late night after a group of youths went on a vandalism spree near Gandhi Gate and damaged around seven parked two-wheelers and created fear among residents. Initial rumours suggested a possible clash between two communities, but police later clarified that the incident was result of a personal dispute linked to a love triangle. Panic in Vishnudi Galli According to the complaint filed by Satish Ramchandraji Girde (48), a computer hardware technician residing at Joharipura, the incident occurred around 11 pm on February 24. Girde told police that he had returned home from work and was resting when loud noises were heard outside.

 

“When I came out, many neighbours had gathered. They told me that 10 to 12 boys armed with wooden sticks had deliberately vandalised the two-wheelers parked in Vishnudi Galli,” Girde stated in his report. The miscreants smashed headlights, indicators, glass parts and mudguards of several vehicles and caused an estimated loss of Rs 19,000 to vehicle owners. Girde’s Activa 4G (MH-49-AQ-2998) also was among the vehicles vandalised by the gang. 

 

 

During the vandalism, Natthuji Dharmik (85) questioned the youths about why they were damaging vehicles. The accused allegedly abused him and threatened to assault him with wooden sticks. Another resident, Mohammad Fayaz Sheikh (28), rushed to the spot and shouted at the youths to show restrain. However, the group fled towards Ram Cooler Chowk. 

 

 

 Police investigation later revealed that the violence was not communal in nature but triggered by a personal rivalry. According to officials, the prime accused Mangesh Gaware (24), a resident of Bhutiya Darwaja in Mahal, was previously in a relationship with a local girl. The girl later snapped ties with him and became close to another youth. “Angry over the situation, Mangesh went to the boy’s house along with his associates to confront him. When they could not find the youth, they vented their frustration by damaging vehicles parked in the area,” a police officer said. 

 

Two arrested, main accused abscondingPolice have, so far, arrested two associates: Swarup Dongre (19), a resident of Swatantry Nagar; Rishabh Khare (19), a resident of Wathoda. Both were produced before the court and remanded to police custody (PCR) for two days. “The prime accused Mangesh Gaware is currently absconding and teams are working to trace him,” a Ganeshpeth police official said.

 

 

A case has been registered at Ganeshpeth police station against the accused for rioting, vandalism and criminal intimidation. Police are also verifying the role of other youths involved in the incident.