Nagpur: Three members of the Gaikwad family from Isaganj in the MIDC police limits experienced a harrowing ordeal early Wednesday morning when four armed men stormed their home. The family, comprising Dattatraya Gaikwad, his wife Jyoti, and their young daughter, sought refuge in the toilet, bolting the door and crouching low on the floor to avoid the dense smoke that filled the house. They dialed the police helpline (112) and remained huddled until officers arrived to rescue them. The four assailants are still at large, according to police.
Motivation Behind the Attack
The violent assault was fueled by a grudge stemming from a minor scuffle that occurred two days earlier. Although the rivals have no criminal record, the revenge they sought mirrored a gang-style attack. The goons set vehicles ablaze, pelted stones, and smashed their way into the Gaikwad home with sticks, but were thwarted by police intervention just in time.
Sequence of Events
The attack began around 2 a.m. when the family was jolted awake. They had been tense following a recent altercation involving Gaikwad's younger son and a member of the rival group. A senior MIDC police officer stated, "The first incident was not reported to police. We have identified the hooligans and will nab them soon." In that scuffle, a youngster from the rival camp sustained an injury, leading to demands for money to cover medical expenses. Heated negotiations preceded the murderous attack on Wednesday.
The goons torched two parked vehicles and an electric meter, filling the area with thick smoke that reduced visibility and added to the chaos. Armed with stones, bricks, and sticks, the four men smashed open the main door and barged inside, shouting death threats.
Family's Quick Thinking
Speaking to TOI, a family member recounted, "They wanted to kill us." However, the Gaikwads displayed remarkable presence of mind. They rushed into the washroom, locked themselves inside, barricaded the door, and called police. The MIDC police team navigated through the thick smoke and saved the family. No physical injuries were reported, but the family, especially the young daughter, was traumatized.
Investigation and Appeal
A case has been registered, and teams are actively scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas while questioning locals for leads. The Gaikwads have appealed for continued security until the attackers are arrested.
