Water Dispute Over Vehicle Washing Turns Violent in Charholi Society
Two groups file counter-complaints after alleged assault over use of water in Abhiman Shree Society
PIMPRI-CHINCHWAD: A dispute over washing vehicles amid the ongoing water shortage escalated into an alleged assault at Abhiman Shree Society in Charholi Khurd on Tuesday (October 20). The Alandi police have registered two separate cases based on counter-complaints filed by members of both groups.
According to police, the incident occurred in the society’s parking area at around 10.30 am. The dispute reportedly began when some residents objected to the use of a pipe connected to a borewell water tap to wash cars, despite an appeal to conserve water.
According to the first complaint filed by Rahul Madhavrao Shimpale (33), residents had been urged through the society’s WhatsApp group to wash vehicles using buckets instead of pipes to minimise water consumption. When he questioned the use of a pipe, an argument allegedly broke out. He accused five people of abusing and assaulting him with their hands and a bucket.
Based on his complaint, the police registered a case against Sachin Kothawade (46), Vivek Kothawade (18), Kunal Kothawade (20), Ashish Bhalerao (28) and Ganesh Dhatpande (22).
Counter-complaint alleges assault on family
In a separate complaint, Sachin Machhindra Kothawade alleged that he was washing his autorickshaw with bucket water in the society parking area when Nilesh Chavan, Rahul Shimpale, Ravindra Badane, Vivek Pawar and Pranjay Bhalerao allegedly abused and assaulted him, his wife and children.
He further alleged that his wife and son were stopped while travelling to the police station to lodge a complaint, and that the society’s main gate was closed to prevent them from proceeding.
The Alandi police have registered a separate case against the five named in the counter-complaint. Further investigation is underway.
