By Tejas

Pune, August 16, 2024: A brief moment of panic erupted at the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) during the Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony on Tuesday, when a group of miscreants, including a visually impaired individual, damaged the car of PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh. The incident occurred while various programs were underway at the municipal premises on Independence Day.

According to reports, Ajay Gaikwad, one of the accused, broke the car's window using a wooden stick. The police quickly intervened, detaining the miscreants, while the driver promptly moved the vehicle to a secure location. Although the situation caused a temporary disruption, security personnel managed to calm the gathered crowd.

Upon questioning, the accused cited grievances against civic officials as their motive. Gaikwad claimed that his shop had been subjected to repeated actions by the authorities, while another individual expressed frustration over repeated denials of permission to set up a sugarcane juice stall. Additionally, one of the men complained that he had not received the funds promised under the 'Ramabai Awas Gharkul Yojana,' and another accused the local hospital of negligence in providing timely medical treatment.

Commissioner Shekhar Singh took note of the complaints and instructed the concerned officials to investigate the issues raised. After the incident, the accused were released with a warning. However, two of the detained individuals later alleged that they had been beaten by the police during their detention. They further issued a threat, stating that if their demands were not met, next time they would burn the commissioner’s car.