By Tejas
Pune, November 5, 2024: After yesterday’s dramatic incident in the Division Office of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, where a visually impaired man, Vinayak Ovhal, allegedly set fire to the vehicle of Assembly Election Officer Anil Pawar, the Pimpri-Chinchwad police arrested him, including his two accomplices. Ovhal, who had filed his nomination for the Chinchwad Assembly constituency in the upcoming election, yesterday resorted to arsoning the election official’s car out of frustration over repeated demands left unaddressed.
Yesterday, on November 4, Ovhal, along with his associates Nagesh Kale and Ajay Gaikwad, visited the G Division Office of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, which oversees the Chinchwad Legislative Assembly’s functions. According to information, Ovhal allegedly attempted to torch the election officer’s car during the afternoon, creating a chaotic scene outside the office.
Ovhal’s actions reportedly stem from grievances about unfulfilled demands. It is said that despite multiple requests, he did not receive housing under the Ramai Housing Scheme, leading to growing resentment against the administration. Additionally, his applications for setting up a juice stall, a firecracker stall, and running a canteen at the municipal commission’s Thergaon Hospital were all denied, leaving him frustrated.
Further, Ovhal’s accomplice, Nagesh Kale, also expressed discontent, alleging widespread corruption at Thergaon Hospital. Kale stated that despite numerous complaints, the administration ignored the issues, leading the duo to resort to such extreme measures.
Notably, this is not Ovhal’s first confrontation with local officials. On Independence Day this year, he reportedly vandalised the car of Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh over unresolved grievances, displaying the same frustration-driven aggression. At that time, too, Ovhal’s actions were reportedly tied to his long-standing demands for housing and business opportunities.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad confirmed the detention of the accused, noting that further investigation into the matter is underway.
