SRPF Driver Brutally Murdered in Nagpur Over Daughter's Relationship Dispute
In a shocking incident that unfolded in Nagpur, a dedicated State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) personnel lost his life after being hacked to death by a young man. The tragic event occurred late on Thursday at Matoshree Nagar, stemming from a bitter dispute over the assailant's relationship with the victim's teenage daughter.
Victim Identified as Long-Serving SRPF Driver
The deceased has been identified as Pankaj Thakur, a 42-year-old driver who had been serving with the SRPF's motor transport section since 2006. According to police reports, Thakur suffered catastrophic injuries to his head and neck during the attack, leading to fatal bleeding. Disturbingly, his desperate cries for help were completely drowned out by the loud celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti taking place in the neighborhood at that time.
Family Member Seriously Injured During Rescue Attempt
Thakur's brother-in-law, 30-year-old Arpit Singh Sengal, bravely attempted to intervene and save his relative during the violent assault. Tragically, Sengal sustained multiple stab wounds in the process and is currently fighting for his life in a local hospital. Medical authorities have described his condition as critical but stable.
Assailant's Audacious Move to Police Station
In a dramatic turn of events following the murder, the primary accused, 23-year-old Akash Mandal, proceeded directly to the MIDC police station. Mandal attempted to file a formal complaint against the SRPF personnel he had just attacked, apparently in an effort to mislead investigators. However, police officers quickly saw through this deception and promptly arrested Mandal, placing him behind bars.
Family Members Complicit in the Crime
Further investigation revealed that Mandal did not act alone. His mother, Pushpa Mandal, who works as a clerk with the rural police department, and his elder brother, Harshit Mandal, were both actively involved in the crime. Authorities have arrested all three family members for their complicity in the brutal attack.
Background of the Relationship Conflict
Police sources have disclosed that Akash Mandal had been in a romantic relationship with Pankaj Thakur's 15-year-old daughter for approximately two years. Despite receiving repeated warnings and strict instructions from Thakur to stay away from the minor girl, Mandal continued to meet her secretly. This persistent defiance created escalating tension between the two families over an extended period.
Events Leading to the Fatal Confrontation
On the fateful night, a cultural program celebrating Hanuman Jayanti was underway at a local shrine where Thakur's daughter was performing. When Akash Mandal arrived at the venue and began conversing with the girl, the SRPF personnel immediately confronted him. Thakur ordered Mandal to leave the premises immediately, which sparked a heated argument that quickly escalated into a physical scuffle. During this initial confrontation, Thakur reportedly slapped Mandal multiple times.
Premeditated Attack with Multiple Assailants
Enraged by the public humiliation, Akash Mandal rushed home and retrieved a sharp iron bar from the parking area. He then returned to the scene with a group of armed associates that included his elder brother Harshit, their mother Pushpa, and two minor accomplices. Pushpa Mandal strategically summoned Pankaj Thakur to a desolate area where the coordinated attack took place.
The assailants launched a vicious assault on the SRPF driver, repeatedly stabbing him with sharp weapons. When Arpit Singh Sengal rushed to shield his relative, the attackers turned on him as well, inflicting serious injuries. Both victims collapsed in a pool of blood at the location before the assailants fled the scene.
Police Response and Investigation
Alert residents immediately informed local authorities about the violent incident. Police personnel reached the spot promptly and rushed both injured individuals to the nearest hospital. Medical professionals declared Pankaj Thakur dead upon arrival, while Sengal received emergency treatment for his life-threatening wounds.
Authorities have registered a formal murder case against Akash Mandal and four other individuals involved in the crime. The three primary accused—Akash Mandal, Harshit Mandal, and Pushpa Mandal—are currently undergoing intensive interrogation as investigators work to uncover the complete sequence of events and determine the specific role played by each participant in this horrific crime.
