Argument over tomato prices turns violent, Pune vendor injures customer with weighing scale

A vendor hit a customer with a weighing scale on the face during an argument over the price of tomatoes in Pune’s Vadgaon Sheri vegetable market. The incident took place around 7.30 pm on July 5.

The injured has been identified as Gopal Dhepe, 42, a resident of the same area. Dhepe, who was undergoing treatment for the injury on his cheek, approached the Chandan Nagar police station Saturday. The police have booked the vegetable vendor, Anil Gaikwad, under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily hurt by the use of a dangerous weapon or means), and 504 (intentional insult) of the Indian Penal Code. No arrest has been made in the case yet.

The police said Gaikwad told Dhepe that the price of tomatoes was Rs 20 per 250 gram. When Dhepe said the price was steep, Gaikwad started hurling abuses at him and an argument ensued. During the heated exchange, Gaikwad punched Dhepe in the face and hit him with the weighing scale.

The prices of tomatoes have skyrocketed across the country owing to high temperatures in the months of March and April that resulted in pest infestations and large-scale damage to the crop.