Pune’s Bhor Tehsil has witnessed a gruesome case of alleged caste-based violence. On February 8, 2025, Vikram Gaikwad, a 30-year-old Dalit man, was brutally murdered. His body, discovered near a canal, bore 20 stab wounds, and his genitals were mutilated—indicating honor killing allegedly driven by caste-based hatred.
Gaikwad, a resident of Utrauli village, had married a woman from the dominant Maratha caste in September last year. His family believes this inter-caste marriage made him a target. Ambedkarite activists also claim it to be an honor killing and have urged authorities to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a thorough probe.
A day after the murder, on February 9, Vikram’s younger brother, Sagar Gaikwad, filed an FIR at Bhor police station.
According to the FIR, Vikram had a financial dispute with 24-year-old Anuj Chavan from Venavdi. On February 8, Vikram met Anuj to recover ₹2 lakh he had loaned him for a poultry farm. The conversation quickly turned into a heated argument. In the altercation that followed, Anuj allegedly attacked Vikram with a sharp weapon, inflicting fatal injuries. Vikram succumbed to his wounds, and Anuj was arrested on charges of murder under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Family Allege Honor Killing
Vikram’s family insists his murder was driven by caste-based prejudice, not just financial disagreements. They, along with community members, met Pune Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Pankaj Deshmukh, demanding an SIT probe.
Republican Party state president Parshuram Wadekar called it a “brutal honor killing” and demanded immediate action. Former Pune Deputy Mayor Dr. Siddharth Dhende and Republican Yuva Morcha leader Rahul Dambale also supported the family’s claims, seeking justice.
Police Deny Caste-Based Motive
Pune Rural Police maintain there is no evidence of honor killing. “The accused is in magisterial custody. So far, our findings show this was a financial dispute that escalated into violence,” SP Pankaj Deshmukh said.
To ensure the family’s safety, police initially deployed two constables under the Atrocities Act provisions. As tensions rose, security was increased to four personnel.
The case has sparked fresh debates on caste violence and the safety of marginalized communities in rural Maharashtra.
