Pune: Minibus Driver Arrested for Deliberate Arson in Hinjawadi, Remanded to Custody Till March 29

Pune, March 28, 2025 – The Pimpri-Chinchwad police on Thursday arrested Janardan Humbardekar (56), the driver accused of intentionally setting a minibus on fire in Hinjewadi on March 19, leading to the tragic death of four employees and leaving five others with severe burn injuries.

Humbardekar, a resident of Warje who worked as a driver for Vyoma Graphics in Hinjewadi, allegedly committed the act due to long-standing work-related grievances, including frequent altercations with the employees he transported. He also sustained 30% burn injuries during the incident and was undergoing treatment at Ruby Hall Clinic, Hinjewadi, before his arrest.

Police Investigation and Arrest

The Hinjewadi police initially filed an FIR and later registered a case against Humbardekar under Sections 103(1) (culpable homicide) and 109(1) (abetment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was arrested on Thursday afternoon and produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody until March 29 for further interrogation.

Police Inspector (Crime) Rushikesh Ghadge of the Hinjewadi police station stated that the investigation is focusing on multiple critical aspects:

• Source of Chemicals: Determining where Humbardekar obtained the benzene used to start the fire and whether additional stock remains unseized.
• Possible Accomplices: Checking if anyone aided Humbardekar in procuring the materials or planning the attack.
• Motive Clarity: Verifying if work-related disputes were the sole reason or if other factors contributed.
• Execution Details: Investigating how he smuggled rags and benzene out of the company premises and why he specifically targeted the minibus.

How the Crime Was Executed

According to police reports:

• On March 18, Humbardekar stole a can of benzene from Vyoma Graphics’ storeroom and collected old rags, allegedly planning his revenge.
• He purchased a matchbox from a roadside shop near his residence.
• On March 19, while driving the Tempo Traveller, he stopped near Wipro Circle, bent near the driver’s seat, and opened the right-side door under the pretense of adjusting something near his feet.
• He then locked the door, ignited the fire, and jumped out of the moving vehicle from the left-side door without applying the handbrake, allowing the flames to spread rapidly.
• Panicked passengers jumped out as the bus, now engulfed in flames, continued moving before crashing into a tree near Sacha Engineering Company.

Forensic and Legal Proceedings

Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad confirmed that arson experts examined the vehicle and ruled out an electrical short circuit as the cause. Forensic samples have been sent for lab analysis, with reports pending. Statements from survivors and company employees have been recorded as part of the ongoing probe.

The case has sent shockwaves across Pune, raising concerns over workplace safety and employee grievances. Authorities are ensuring a thorough investigation to uncover all aspects of the crime.