Siblings critically injure youth to condemn inter-caste marriage

The injured youth, Tushar Prakash Pisal, sustained serious injuries in the stomach, chest and neck. His condition was stated to be critical.

Two brothers and their cousin have been booked for firing five rounds at a 20-year-old youth who, at least a year ago, had married their sister belonging to another caste against the wishes of the family.

Two brothers and their cousin have been booked for firing five rounds at a 20-year-old youth who, at least a year ago, had married their sister belonging to another caste against the wishes of the family.

The injured youth, Tushar Prakash Pisal, sustained serious injuries in the stomach, chest and neck. His condition was stated to be critical.

The assailants were identified as brothers Akash (22) and Sagar Taware (24); their cousin Raju Taware (21) and a friend Sagar Palve.

The police arrested Sagar, Raju and Palve on Thursday, however, Akash is absconding.

While Pisal belongs to the Maratha caste, his wife, identified by the police as Vidya (25) belongs to the Shimpi caste under the OBC (other backward castes). The incident took place on Wednesday evening at Chandani chowk when the accused allegedly opened fire from close range at the victim who was on a two-wheeler, police said.

On Thursday, crime branch team under inspector Anjum Bagwan received a tip-off that the accused were near Sambhaji Garden on JM road and were planning to move out of the city limits to escape arrest.

Then, the Pune crime branch unit IV officials arrested the accused.

The arrested accused have been handed over to the Hinjewadi police for further investigation.

Police said that the Tawares came riding on motocycles and accosted Tushar saying that his death was certain and fired five rounds at him. He was rushed to the Sahyadri Hospital.

The police have booked the accused under the Indian Penal Code Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and Section 34 of the Arms Act besides other sections

Police inspector (crime) Ajay Jogdand of Hinjewadi police station said that the girl belongs to the Shimpi OBC community and the family was enraged with her love marriage.

“The brothers took the decision as they were furious that their sister had married outside their caste which was not acceptable to the family and relatives,” said police officials.