Nagpur: A 27-year-old history-sheeter was allegedly stabbed to death by two of his criminal associates following a heated confrontation linked to a suspected love triangle in the Sundarban area of Narendra Nagar on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Gaurav Pankaj Ragde (27), a resident of Kunjilal Peth under Ajni police station limits. Police have arrested the two accused, identified as Gaurav Rambhau Raut (27) and Abhishek Wasnik.

According to police sources, Ragde had been in a relationship with a Mumbai-based woman, referred to as ‘Sapna’ (name changed), for around two years. Raut, who was a friend of Ragde and originally from Kalamb in Yavatmal district, also reportedly became close to the woman.

Raut had allegedly started a hotel/cloud kitchen with her in the Narendra Nagar area and was living in a rented house near the establishment.

On Thursday afternoon, the woman reportedly visited Raut’s house, where some of his friends were also present. After Ragde learned that she was partying with Raut, he allegedly became furious and reached Raut’s house.

As the door was locked, Ragde reportedly began throwing stones at it and abusing those inside. Fearing confrontation, Raut and his friends escaped through the rear door. Ragde allegedly chased them and caught up with Raut near the Sundarban nullah.

A scuffle broke out between the two. Wasnik also reached the spot during the confrontation. Police said the accused allegedly snatched the knife from Ragde and attacked him repeatedly.

Ragde collapsed after sustaining multiple stab wounds. The accused allegedly fled the spot, while residents raised an alarm. The injured man was rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors declared him dead on examination.

Ragde was a known criminal and was reportedly an accused in the Ghamchu murder case. Several serious offences, including robbery, murder and attempt to murder, were registered against him. Ajni police had around nine cases against him, according to police. Raut and Wasnik are also reportedly accused in separate murder cases.

Ragde had reportedly been released from jail on bail around two weeks ago.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder and the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal stabbing.