Nagpur: In a dramatic turn of events resembling a crime thriller, over 40 members of the notorious Ippa gang are on the lookout for one of their own, Arshad alias ‘Topi’, after the gang leader’s wife died during a secret outing with him. The incident has sparked intense unrest within the gang, prompting a city-wide manhunt in Nagpur and Kamptee suburbs.

According to police sources, Arshad Topi was involved in a clandestine relationship with the gang chief’s wife. On Thursday, July3, the two were reportedly travelling on a motorcycle when they met with an accident after being hit by a JCB machine. While Topi escaped with minor injuries, the woman was critically injured.

A patrolling unit from Koradi Thermal Plant rushed to the spot and took the woman to a private hospital, which allegedly denied treatment. A second hospital in Kamptee also refused admission. Eventually, Topi paid a private ambulance to shift her to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur. CCTV footage from GMCH confirmed Topi’s presence alongside the injured woman. Despite the efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries on Friday morning.

The Ippa gang, furious over the death and betrayal, believes Topi deliberately killed the woman. Branding him a traitor, the gang has launched an aggressive hunt to avenge the incident.

“Sensing threat to his life, Topi approached the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at Pardi seeking protection. He was redirected to Koradi Police Station, where his statement was recorded,” a senior officer revealed.

Preliminary investigation suggests the woman died due to an accident, and no foul play has been established yet. However, with emotions running high and suspicions rife, police are now working to prevent further violence as Topi remains underground.