Hotel brawl costs finance worker his life

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A hotel dispute turned fatal when a group of youths chased and attacked Umesh Kanhiyalal Chavan, a finance sector employee, with a koyta. He succumbed to his injuries on May 14. Chikalthana police arrested the accused Darshan Niharkar on Saturday.

What Happened

On May 11 night, complainant Swapnil Shirke (29, Garkheda) was at Zalta Fata with friends Umesh and Amol Palwe for dinner. Around 2.30 am near Shivdatta Petrol Pump, three men cut across their path. When Umesh objected, accused Darshan Niharkar and associates abused and shoved them. As the group tried to de-escalate, Darshan stabbed Umesh in the chest and abdomen with a chopper. When Swapnil intervened, another attacker knifed Umesh again.

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'Don't show your face on bypass again'

The attackers threatened the victims "Bypass pe phir dikhna nahi" and fled. Umesh was hospitalised in a critical condition and died on May 14. Police suspect a premeditated attack linked to an earlier hotel altercation. Accused Niharkar is an educated youth pursuing a Food Technology degree.

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One arrested, two absconding

On instructions from Chikalthana police inspector Rajendra Bansode, a team led by police sub-inspector Uttam Nagargoje arrested Niharkar. Two associates remain absconding.

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Beed Bypass turns dangerous

This is the second murder on Beed Bypass within a month. A lawyer was killed on April 16 in the same area, followed by a robbery attack on a trader. With two murders and over four robbery incidents in a month, the area has become a serious safety concern for residents.