Special Correspondent
Pune: In a shocking incident that has raised serious questions about safety in Pune’s upscale neighborhoods, armed robbers broke into the residence of an Indian Air Force Wing Commander and looted valuables worth lakhs at knifepoint and under threat of a hammer.
The robbery took place early Monday morning at the residence of Wing Commander Virendra Kumar Zhendyial, located in Kaushalya Bungalow near Jambhulkar Chowk — a locality generally considered safe and secure. According to police reports, two unidentified intruders broke into the bungalow between 2:30 and 3:00 AM while the officer and his family were asleep.
The assailants reportedly entered the bedroom, covered the Wing Commander’s mouth, and woke him up. They threatened him with dire consequences if he moved and demanded to know where the gold was kept. Armed with a hammer and a rod-like hexablade, the robbers forcibly took the cupboard keys from the officer.
They then opened the cupboard and made away with 40 tolas of gold jewelry and ₹8.5 lakh in cash, before fleeing the scene within minutes.
The Pune police, including senior officers, rushed to the location as soon as the crime was reported. A case has been registered, and a forensic team has been deployed. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being scanned, and multiple special squads have been formed to track down the culprits.
Police suspect the robbery was well-planned and may involve individuals familiar with the house or area. The audacity of targeting a senior defense officer has intensified concerns about the rising number of high-profile home invasions in Pune. Authorities have promised swift action, and security has been tightened in the neighborhood. The case is being handled on a priority basis.
