Nagpur: A 43-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death following a dispute over an e-rickshaw near Ramgiri slum in Nagpur on the eve of Independence Day. The murder took place on the night of August 14, when police deployment and security arrangements were already in place across the city ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

The deceased, Chandan Harichandra Sirsawar (43), was involved in the dairy business and kept his cattle at a shed behind Gajanan Temple in Telangkhedi, within the jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station.

According to the complaint filed by his elder brother Deepak Harichandra Sirsawar (45), Chandan was sitting near a paan stall close to the bridge near Ramgiri slum around 10.30 pm on August 14. An e-rickshaw driven by Sagar Suresh Bhondekar (27) allegedly tore the tarpaulin of a tea and snacks stall belonging to a local vendor.

Following the incident, Chandan allegedly abused Bhondekar, leading to a dispute between the two.

Police said that around 11.30 pm, when Chandan was returning home on his motorcycle and crossing the bridge near Ramgiri slum, Bhondekar allegedly, along with Rishikesh Rajendra Kanojia (19), Rahul alias Zhingya Manohar Salame (19) and a juvenile in conflict with law, attacked him with cement blocks with an alleged intention to kill him.

Chandan sustained serious injuries in the assault. He was rushed to Mayo Hospital for treatment, where doctors examined him and declared him dead.

Sadar Police registered a case against the accused under Sections 103(1), 189(1) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on the complaint.

As part of the investigation, police arrested Rishikesh Kanojia and Rahul Salame and took the juvenile into custody. The main accused, Sagar Bhondekar, and others allegedly involved in the incident are yet to be arrested.

The murder has raised concerns as the incident occurred on the eve of Independence Day, when heightened police bandobast had been deployed across Nagpur for the national celebration.