Nagpur: A seemingly harmless Instagram message to a young woman’s account snowballed into a violent assault in Nagpur’s Hudkeshwar area, leading to the registration of a criminal case against three youths.
According to Hudkeshwar Police, the incident occurred between 12.30 am and 1.30 am on July 6 on the main road near Om Shyam Temple in Sai Nagar.
The complainant, Karan Narendra Sonbapne (18), a resident of Sai Nagar near Sanket Convent, alleged that the attack stemmed from an earlier dispute involving his friend Kartik Rajendra Madve. Police said Kartik had allegedly texted “Hi” to the girlfriend of the main accused, Rahul Shahu, on Instagram on June 28. Following the message, Rahul had reportedly called Kartik for a confrontation. Karan was present during that earlier altercation and had intervened to stop the fight.
Police said the accused allegedly nursed a grudge against Karan for interfering in the dispute.
On the night of the incident, Karan was returning from Hasanbagh on a motorcycle with friends Sarvesh Vinod Jambhulkar (18) and Prajjwal Yadavrao Gawande (25) after purchasing biryani. Near Om Shyam Temple, the three accused allegedly intercepted them.
The accused have been identified as Rahul Shahu (20) of Old Narsala, Krishna Shahu (19) and Lucky Shahu (18), both residents of Sai Nagar No. 2 near St. Paul’s School. According to police, none of the accused has any previous criminal record.
The trio allegedly abused Karan, questioning why he had intervened in Kartik’s earlier dispute. Rahul allegedly slapped him, Lucky reportedly struck him on the leg with a wooden stick, while Krishna allegedly hit him on the head with a metal bangle-like object. When Karan’s friends attempted to intervene, the accused fled the spot.
The injured youth was treated at Government Medical College and Hospital (Medical Hospital).
Hudkeshwar Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to voluntarily causing hurt, assault, intentional insult, and common intention. Further investigation is underway.
