Pune Salon Owner and Accomplices Arrested for Fatal Assault Over Customer Rivalry
In a shocking incident in Pune, three people, including the owner of a salon in Bibvewadi, were arrested on Friday following the murder of a 20-year-old youth. The crime stemmed from a dispute over customers being allegedly coaxed away from the prime suspect's establishment to a new facility operated by the victim.
Victim Identified as Mohammed Shami Qureshi
The victim has been identified as Mohammed Shami Qureshi, a resident of Bibvewadi who originally hailed from Prayagraj district in Uttar Pradesh. His brother, Mohammed Salman Qureshi (18), filed a formal complaint with the Bibvewadi police, initiating the investigation into the tragic event.
Background of the Conflict
According to police officials, Qureshi had worked at the salon owned by the prime accused in Katraj for approximately two years. In January, he left that job and began operating his own salon on a rental basis in Bibvewadi starting February 9. This move reportedly led to customers from the Katraj salon shifting their patronage to Qureshi's new establishment.
The police officer stated, "The accused was furious over it. He had heated arguments with the victim on the issue." This escalating tension set the stage for the violent confrontation that ensued.
Fatal Altercation Details
On Thursday around 12:30 PM, the prime accused, accompanied by two accomplices, visited Qureshi's salon in Bibvewadi. An argument broke out, with the victim's brother also present at the scene. The officer elaborated, "When the victim told the Katraj salon's owner that the customers were coming to him because of his work, the main suspect slapped him. The victim hit him back, too."
Enraged by this retaliation, the trio allegedly assaulted Qureshi severely. The owner of the rented property where the salon was located promptly alerted the police control room. Authorities responded swiftly, taking the three suspects into custody at the scene.
Aftermath and Legal Action
The complainant, Mohammed Salman Qureshi, rushed his brother to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The police have charged the arrested individuals under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), highlighting the seriousness of the offense.
This case underscores the volatile nature of business rivalries and the tragic consequences that can arise from disputes over customer loyalty in competitive urban settings like Pune.
