Shiv Sena Leader Brutally Murdered in Nanded, Fifth Fatal Attack in Three Days
In a shocking escalation of violence, Shiv Sena functionary Sonu Kalyankar was murdered on Monday in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, marking the fifth killing in Nanded city over the past three days, according to police reports. The incident has intensified fear among residents, particularly as all recent attacks involved sharp weapons in public areas.
Details of the Fatal Attack
Kalyankar, 35, was attacked while on a morning walk sometime after 5:30 AM in the busy Srinagar area. Police stated that the accused men had been tracking his routine and intercepted him near Kumar Dresses. They stabbed him more than 17 times, causing severe blood loss. Passersby rushed Kalyankar to a private hospital near ITI Chowk, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Investigators revealed that Kalyankar had several criminal cases against him, including charges of attempted murder and assault on a public servant. He had recently joined Shiv Sena from the BJP and was serving as the party's city youth chief, having sought a ticket in the recent municipal elections.
Police Swiftly Arrest Four Accused
The police arrested all four accused within hours of the incident. During a chase on the outskirts, one of the accused, Akash alias Ankush Gandhamwar, was shot in the leg. Acting on a tip-off, a local crime branch team tracked Gandhamwar near Zhari village. On spotting the police, he attempted to flee into nearby fields and allegedly tried to open fire, but the weapon misfired.
"As he attempted to fire again, sub-inspector Milind Sonkamble acted in self-defence and fired below the waist to protect the team and civilians," said Nanded Superintendent of Police Abinash Kumar. The bullet struck Gandhamwar near the knee, and he was later admitted to a government hospital under police guard.
Context of Recent Violence in Nanded
This latest killing follows a triple murder reported on Canal Road in the early hours of Saturday, which police attributed to a gang war between two groups. Within 24 hours, another youth, Ranjitsingh Tabelewale, was killed in the Murmura Galli area on Sunday in an attack involving swords and daggers. The series of incidents has raised alarms about public safety and the use of sharp weapons in violent crimes.
Investigation Points to Old Dispute
Police said the preliminary investigation indicates an old dispute as the trigger for Kalyankar's murder. "There was a quarrel between the accused and the deceased during the Navaratra period, followed by another argument a few days ago. It appears the attack was carried out due to that grudge. However, we are also examining if there is a larger conspiracy," Kumar explained.
Investigators are also probing a possible link to a 2021 firing incident in which Kalyankar survived an attack allegedly carried out by Golu Mangnale, a member of the Rinda gang, who is currently in jail.
Criminal Backgrounds of Those Involved
The arrested accused in the latest case have been identified as Prasad Shinde, Krishna Jogdand, Ravi Lodh, and Akash alias Ankush Gandhamwar. Officials confirmed that all four have criminal records. "All four accused directly involved have been detained. If any indirect involvement or wider conspiracy is found, strict action will be taken," Kumar added, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
This string of violent incidents in Nanded has not only shocked the local community but also prompted calls for enhanced security measures to prevent further bloodshed in public spaces.
