Ghansoli: A violent clash between two groups of auto-rickshaw drivers outside Ghansoli railway station on Sunday night turned brutal, leaving three people seriously injured after knives and stones were used in the attack. Police have arrested two accused, while two others are still absconding.

The incident occurred around 9:45 pm at the busy auto stand outside the station, reportedly triggered by a dispute over queue jumping and illegal passenger picking. According to police, the conflict began when auto driver Sudhya alias Subhash Jadhav allegedly violated queue discipline and started forcibly picking up passengers.

When 22-year-old Adil Rafik Shaikh objected, an argument broke out. “He was repeatedly breaking the line rules,” said a local auto driver witness. Adil then called his brother Sahil, and tensions escalated as more people gathered at the spot.

The situation turned violent when 18-year-old Aayan Mehbub Shaikh attempted to intervene. Instead of calming down, the accused allegedly attacked him with knives and stones. Police said Sudhya used a knife, while his associate Satya alias Satish allegedly used a sharp key as a weapon. Others, identified as Swapnil Surve and Pramod Mankar, joined in by throwing stones and assaulting the victims.

“All of them suddenly started attacking without warning,” said another eyewitness. Aayan, Adil, and bystander Rajendra Vashivale suffered serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Koparkhairane police quickly reached the spot and launched a manhunt, arresting Swapnil Surve (30) and Pramod Mankar (31) early Monday. The main accused remains at large.

Police have registered a case under attempt to murder, and related sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway.