Unidentified gunmen opened fire outside a furniture store in Maharashtra’s Pimpri-Chinchwad late on Friday night, prompting a major police investigation. The incident, which occurred around 9:20 pm outside AJ Furniture Mall in the Ravet area, involved two men on a motorcycle firing several rounds at the building’s frontage, officials said. Fortunately, no one was injured, though the mall’s signboard and glass panels were damaged.
Law enforcement teams from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police and the city’s Crime Branch rushed to the location and cordoned off the area, beginning forensic examinations and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the shooters. Multiple police units are conducting a manhunt to locate and apprehend the suspects.
The attack took place amid claims circulating on social media that members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang were responsible, including posts and an audio clip allegedly linked to gang figures asserting involvement and issuing threats. Authorities, however, said they are verifying the authenticity of these posts and have not yet confirmed any definitive link with the gang.
Police also noted that extortion calls were reportedly made to one of the mall’s partners earlier in the week, demanding money before the gunfire incident occurred. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act as the probe continues.
