A shocking double murder in the bustling Somwaripeth market has sent tremors through Nagpur, with police probing whether the motive was a trivial wage dispute over Rs200 or a manifestation of simmering gang rivalries. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, leaving two fruit sellers dead on a blood-splattered street.
The Crime Scene
The bodies of the victims, identified as Aditya Bandve and Aditya Rahulkar, were discovered with their skulls crushed, likely by a boulder, and multiple stab wounds on their chest and limbs. The brutality of the attack has not only horrified the community but also prompted immediate police action. Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal and Joint Commissioner Navinchandra Reddy rushed to the scene to oversee the investigation and intensify the manhunt for the perpetrators.
Victims and Accused
According to police sources, Aditya Bandve, a Class 12 passout residing behind Gajanan Temple in Somwari Peth, and Aditya Rahulkar, a resident of Dyaneshwar Nagar in Manevada, were allegedly killed by their fruit vendor employer and his aides. The dispute reportedly began over a refund from a recurring deposit scheme. The main accused, Rishi Puttewar, who has a criminal record with 13 cases, is currently on the run. Three other suspects, Vaibhav Dongare, Abhi Raut, and Vedant Dabir, are also absconding.
Mother's Grief
Bandve's grieving mother told the Times of India that her son was paid only Rs200 per day instead of a proper salary and was killed when he demanded his dues. The accused, after committing the crime, fled the scene, prompting widespread raids and the use of technical surveillance to track them down.
History of Violence
The Somwari Market area under Sakkardhara police limits has long been a hotspot for violent clashes. In June 2020, a goon named Gaurav Khadatkar was murdered near Shahu Garden gate by four criminals amid dominance tussles, creating panic in the area. Similarly, in September 2016, the nearby Budhwari Market witnessed daylight terror when vegetable vendors killed an extortionist, Ashish Raut, who had been harassing traders, leading to heightened tensions.
Police are now working to determine whether the double murder is an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern of gang violence. The investigation continues, with authorities leaving no stone unturned to bring the accused to justice.
