A simmering family conflict over ancestral property in Nagpur turned dangerously violent last week, resulting in a shooting that left five people wounded, two of them in critical condition. The incident has shocked the local community and prompted police intervention.
From Argument to Gunfire: The Incident Unfolds
The roots of the violence lie in a dispute within the Deotale family in Gumgaon village, under Hingna police jurisdiction. Fifteen days prior to the shooting, tensions had flared over the laying of paver blocks in their shared ancestral wada compound. While that initial argument did not escalate to require police action, the underlying hostility remained.
The situation exploded on Wednesday, December 24. According to police reports, the uncle, identified as Nana Deotale, allegedly opened fire on his nephew, Pravin Deotale, and Pravin's friend, Vijay Manawar. He used a licensed 12-bore double-barrel shotgun. The gunfire triggered a broader physical clash among family members.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
The chaotic scene left five individuals injured. Vijay Manawar's condition is reported as critical. All five, including the alleged shooter Nana Deotale, were admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Police swiftly arrived at the scene and recovered the firearm. Authorities noted that the weapon was damaged and broken during the fight. While its license was technically valid until December 30, the decision has been made not to renew it pending the outcome of the investigation.
In a significant move, the Hingna police have registered cases of attempted murder against both parties involved in the violent clash, indicating a complex history of mutual aggression.
Broader Implications and Community Concerns
This violent episode has cast a spotlight on two major issues in the region. First, it has renewed calls for community mediation mechanisms to resolve family property disputes before they reach a boiling point. The Deotale family feud is said to span generations, highlighting how deeply entrenched such conflicts can become.
Second, the use of a licensed firearm in the crime has raised serious questions about stricter oversight and monitoring of gun licenses. The police are now probing the long-standing feud within the family while also examining the circumstances that led to the licensed weapon being used in a violent assault.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of how unresolved familial and property disputes can escalate, endangering lives and disrupting community harmony.
