NAGPUR: A seemingly trivial argument over an alleged splash of water at a tarri poha stall in Bharatwada, under Kalamna police station limits, spiraled into a deadly stabbing incident, resulting in the death of a man and injuries to his brother.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Yogesh Sahu (27) and his group had stopped at the stall for breakfast after unloading a sand cart nearby when the altercation began. A group of five youngsters, including Mangesh Rahangdale, was already present at the spot. Mangesh allegedly accused Yogesh of splashing water on him, an accusation that Yogesh denied, leading to a scuffle.
As tensions escalated, Yogesh, along with his brother Lokesh Sahu, Raja, and friend Rohit Atarkar, caught hold of Mangesh and attempted to take him to Kalamna police station to file a complaint. However, Mangesh broke free and ran towards a neighboring house, with the others in pursuit.
The situation quickly worsened as Mangesh's neighbors intervened. Praful Bante (18) allegedly began abusing Yogesh, followed by Shivani Pillare (24), who assaulted him. Her mother, Salila Pillare (47), reportedly tore Yogesh's T-shirt and slapped him, while Praful's mother, Shubhangi Bante (45), also joined in the verbal abuse. Rajesh Pillare (52), father of Shubham and Shivani, arrived carrying a wooden stick and allegedly assaulted Yogesh and his brother. Shubham Pillare (20), who has a prior case under the Arms Act from 2024, allegedly brought out a knife from his house and repeatedly stabbed Yogesh. When Lokesh attempted to intervene, he was also stabbed in the arm before the attackers fled the scene.
A bleeding Yogesh was first taken to a private hospital and later shifted to Mayo Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Lokesh is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.
Police have noted that Lokesh Sahu has a criminal record, having been booked in a 2021 murder case and released from jail in February this year.
Kalamna police have registered a case against seven accused — four from the Pillare family, two from the Bante family, and Mangesh Rahangdale. Tension prevailed in Bharatwada following the incident, with additional police forces deployed in the area.
