A man accused in multiple criminal cases pepper-sprayed police personnel and ransacked Sahkar Nagar Police Station in Pune when he was nabbed in connection with a molestation case early on Friday. Officers identified the accused as Rishikesh alias Barkya Sanjay Londhe, 22, resident of Taljai Pathar area in Pune city. His brother Jitendra alias Monya Londhe, who too was nabbed in connection with the molestation case, escaped from police custody when the duo were taken to the Sassoon hospital for medical examination. He was again nabbed from Parvati Darshan area on Friday evening. The police said Rishikesh Londhe had been arrested under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in 2023, but was currently on bail. Police said an offence of molestation was lodged against Rishikesh Londhe and his brother Jitendra at Sahkar nagar Police Station. After receiving information about them, a team comprising assistant police inspector Sagar Patil and four constables went to Londhe's house around 2.30 am. Deputy Commissioner of Police Milind Mohite said the Londhe brothers were found to be under the influence of alcohol at their residence. “When the cops were nabbing them, Rishikesh Londhe allegedly pepper sprayed the police at the spot,” said Mohite. The cops managed to overpower Rishikesh and handcuffed him. Police then brought the Londhe brothers to Sahkar nagar Police Station for further action. But Rishikesh allegedly injured himself by banging the handcuffs on a table in the police station. He became violent and caused damage in the police station. Police then took Rishikesh and Jitendra to Sassoon hospital for medical examination. Jitendra gave police the slip and escaped from the hospital. A search was launched for him. DCP Mohite said Jitendra was nabbed from Parvati Darshan area. Rahul Gaud, Senior Police Inspector, Sahkarnagar Police Station, said a fresh offence was registered against Rishikesh Londhe on charges of causing disturbance in government duty and attacking the police personnel on duty. The police added that a separate offence will be lodged against Jitendra for escaping from police custody.
