Bar Owner Shot Dead in Pune’s Shirur Over Old Argument
In early September, Harish Dadabhau Gangawane, a 33‑year‑old bar owner in Pune’s Shirur, was shot dead after a long‑standing dispute with patrons. Three men were booked for the crime. The case underscores the volatile nature of bar conflicts in the region.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the early hours of September 18, a bar in Shirur tehsil of Pune district became the scene of a fatal shooting. Harish Dadabhau Gangawane, a 33‑year‑old proprietor, was killed after a dispute that dated back months. Three men were later booked for the incident, according to police officials.
What Happened?
At about 6:30 a.m., a gunshot rang out in a busy area near Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk. CCTV footage captured the moment the gun was fired and quickly spread across social media. The victim, identified as Harish Dadabhau Gangawane, was shot twice by a man named Rohit Ravindra Sonawane, who was 26 years old. A third suspect, Aditya Pawar, was also involved in the confrontation.
Background of the Conflict
Six months earlier, a dispute over a bill at Gangawane’s bar sparked a physical altercation. Rohit Sonawane and 23‑year‑old Aniket Vilas Gavhane were the patrons involved. According to police, Gangawane assaulted both men during the incident. The confrontation left a lingering resentment that would later flare up.
On the night before the shooting, the three men met again near a Ganesh mandal at the same chowk. The meeting escalated into a heated argument that echoed the earlier bar fight. A passing police patrol intervened, but the tension remained unresolved. Gangawane complained about the argument to Sonawane’s maternal uncle, who cautioned him against further conflict. After leaving the uncle’s house, the three men – Sonawane, Gavhane, and Pawar – confronted Gangawane, leading to the fatal shooting.
Police Response and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, local police booked Rohit Sonawane, Aniket Gavhane, and Aditya Pawar for charges related to the shooting. The police report indicates that Sonawane fired two shots at close range, killing Gangawane. The authorities are investigating the motive and any potential premeditation.
Police officials also highlighted that the shooting was not a random act but a continuation of a dispute that had been brewing for months. The case is being treated as a homicide, and the investigation is ongoing. The local community has expressed shock and calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures in bars.
Community Impact and Future Measures
The tragedy has raised concerns about bar safety and conflict resolution in Pune’s suburban areas. Local leaders are calling for better security protocols, including surveillance and conflict mediation, to prevent similar incidents. The incident also highlights the need for stricter enforcement of liquor licensing and responsible drinking practices.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the accused are awaiting further developments. The local police have urged the public to cooperate with ongoing inquiries and to report any suspicious activity in the area.
While the legal process is underway, the community remains vigilant, hoping that stricter measures will curb the rising violence in local establishments.
What Happens Next?
The police are expected to file formal charges and may proceed to court hearings. The case will likely set a precedent for handling bar-related disputes in Pune. The community and local authorities are watching closely to see how the legal system addresses this escalation of violence.
Until the court decides, the situation remains uncertain, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly ordinary disputes.
Key facts
- Bar owner killed in a shooting linked to a prior bill dispute
- Three men booked for the crime
- CCTV footage of the incident went viral
- Police emphasize the conflict’s long history
- Community demands stricter bar safety protocols
Why it matters
The incident highlights the escalating violence in local bar environments and the urgent need for improved security and conflict resolution measures in Pune’s suburban areas.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the shooting?
A long‑standing dispute over a bill at the bar escalated into a violent confrontation.
Who were the suspects?
Rohit Sonawane, Aniket Gavhane, and Aditya Pawar were booked by police.
What is the current legal status?
The case is under investigation, with formal charges expected soon.
How is the community reacting?
Shock and calls for stricter bar safety measures.
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Bar owner shot dead over old argument in Pune's Shirur; three booked”
