Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : A simmering dispute between two neighbouring families erupted into a double murder hours after Navaratra celebrations ended, leaving a 43-year-old truck driver and his teenage son dead and two others injured in Waluj MIDC in the early hours of Tuesday.
Babasaheb Kirtikar (43) and his son Nihal (19) were allegedly stabbed to death at Krishnanagar in Ranjangaon Shenpunji around 1 am. Police have arrested five members of the Gaychand family: Rajendra Gaychand (53), his wife Shano (52), sons Nagesh (21) and Mayur (20), and daughter Mansi (19). Police have launched a detailed probe into the double murder and are recording statements from witnesses and family members.
Citing the complaint, police said Mayur allegedly joined the assault. At the same time, Mayur, Mansi and Shano allegedly attacked Kunal, police said. Police commissioner Pravin Pawar said police teams moved swiftly after receiving information about the incident and arrested all five accused within hours. “The investigation is underway to establish the precise role of each accused and the circumstances that led to the killings,” Pawar said.
Babasaheb’s two other sons, Sahil and Kunal, were also injured in the attack. Originally from Haryana, the Gaychand family lived next to the Kirtikars. During the confrontation, Shano allegedly brought a large knife from the house and handed it to Nagesh. Nagesh then allegedly stabbed Nihal, leaving him critically injured. He allegedly turned the knife on Babasaheb moments later.
Sub-inspector Sagar Patil said the families had clashed a few days ago. At that time, Babasaheb was allegedly assaulted by members of the Gaychand family. Police suspect that hostility led to Tuesday’s deadly confrontation.
Police believe the attack was rooted in an earlier quarrel between the two families.