A violent altercation that erupted outside an upscale Nagpur restaurant during Christmas celebrations has now claimed a second life, sending shockwaves through the city and prompting severe police action against the establishment.
Second Victim Succumbs After Four-Day Battle
Gaurav Karda, a 34-year-old resident of Dipti Signal on Kalamna Road, passed away on Tuesday at Orange City Hospital. He had been fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit since the early hours of December 26. Karda was brutally attacked alongside his friend, Pranay Naresh Rannaware, aged 28.
Rannaware, who lived in the Mahal area, died shortly after the assault due to massive blood loss and critical internal injuries. Karda's death after a four-day struggle has intensified the legal ramifications of the case, with the Sonegaon police now preparing to seek an extension of police custody remand for the six accused by another five days.
Chaotic Scene and Alleged Trigger
Investigations reveal that the violence broke out as a Christmas party at the Dabo Club & Kitchen on Wardha Road was concluding. An argument flared between two groups near the parked vehicles outside the venue. Police sources indicate the dispute was triggered by alleged misconduct towards a woman who was with the victims inside the club premises earlier.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the verbal argument quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. The prime accused, identified as Mehul Rahate and Soumya Deshmukh, are alleged to have led a vicious assault on Rannaware and Karda. Reports suggest the attackers used sharp weapons, iron rods, and bricks, leaving both men with catastrophic injuries.
Police Crackdown and Venue's Troubled Past
In response to the tragedy, authorities have taken stringent measures against Dabo Club & Kitchen. The venue was initially sealed as a crime scene. Subsequently, the police secured a 45-day shutdown order for the restaurant, effective from December 27, and are now planning to submit a report recommending its permanent closure to the district collector.
The closure report cites multiple safety violations, including:
- Inadequate CCTV coverage.
- Failure to properly verify age and identity for liquor service.
- Repeated breaches of established safety norms.
Police records paint a picture of a problematic establishment, noting at least eight serious incidents linked to the club since it opened in 2022. These previous cases include assaults, acts of vandalism, and creating public nuisance.
The Sonegaon police had initially registered a case of murder and attempt to murder, which was upgraded following Karda's death. While probing the exact trigger and examining any prior animosity between the groups, the police have ruled out the involvement of drugs on the club premises based on their initial findings. The incident has sparked a city-wide debate about safety protocols and enforcement at nightlife venues in Nagpur.
