Man Stabbed to Death by Friends After Posting Photo with Them on Social Media
In a shocking incident in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a 23-year-old man with a criminal record was allegedly stabbed to death by his own friends late on Tuesday night. The murder occurred at Kargil Maidan, under the Pundaliknagar police station limits, barely two hours after the victim posted a photograph with the accused on social media.
Details of the Incident
The deceased man, identified as Rohit, also known as Karan Mhaske, was a known history-sheeter with at least seven criminal cases registered against him across the city, including charges of robbery. According to police, the murder was the result of an old feud. The accused individuals, who also have criminal backgrounds, were reportedly harbouring long-standing enmity against Mhaske.
Investigation reveals that the prime accused, Akshay Padul, along with his associates Sagar Ghule, Prafull Pakhare, Sheikh Badshah Sheikh Baba, Shoaib Javed Sheikh, and Krishna Udavant, called Mhaske to Kargil Maidan on Tuesday night. The group spent time together and clicked photographs, one of which Mhaske uploaded online.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Crime branch inspector Gajanan Kalyankar stated, "Within two hours of posting the photo, the accused attacked Mhaske with sharp weapons and repeatedly stabbed him, killing him on the spot. The murder was premeditated and linked to previous disputes." Police teams launched a swift operation after the incident and have arrested five of the six accused. However, Padul, identified as the main conspirator, is currently absconding, and a manhunt has been launched to trace him.
Police commissioner Pravin Pawar commented on the case, noting that both the victim and the accused had criminal backgrounds, and the killing appeared to be the fallout of an old rivalry. "Multiple teams have been formed to nab the absconding accused, and strict action will be taken against all those involved," he said.
Background and Implications
This tragic event highlights the dangers of criminal associations and unresolved conflicts. The rapid sequence of events—from a social media post to a violent murder—underscores the premeditated nature of the crime. Authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure justice is served, with ongoing investigations focusing on the motives and full extent of the involvement of all parties.
The community in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has been left in shock, as such incidents raise concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in dealing with repeat offenders. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the manhunt for the remaining suspect.
