Nagpur: A witness in the 2024 murder of Dilip Sahu was allegedly attacked with wooden sticks and a knife by five men in Kaikadi Nagar slum area under Beltarodi Police Station limits. The complainant, Lal Singh Patel, sustained an injury to a finger on his right hand after one of the accused allegedly attempted to slit his throat.

According to the police complaint, Patel and the accused reside in the same locality. He was a witness in the murder case of Dilip Sahu, in which the accused were allegedly involved. They had reportedly been released on bail around six months ago and would allegedly abuse Patel whenever they saw him.

On October 19, at around 10.30 pm, the five accused allegedly approached Patel near his residence and began abusing him. When he questioned them about their behaviour, they allegedly formed an unlawful assembly and assaulted him with wooden sticks, striking him on the back and head.

One of the accused allegedly pulled out a sharp weapon and attempted to slit Patel’s throat. Patel raised his hand to defend himself, sustaining an injury to a finger on his right hand.

When Patel’s parents, brother and other residents intervened, three of the accused allegedly brandished swords and threatened the bystanders, warning them not to interfere in what they described as a personal matter.

The five accused have been identified as Omprakash Kishor Papade (29), Piyush Sundar Lilhare (22), Akash Sudam Lilhare (24), Damalal Suryawanshi (27) and Sanjay Ramvilas Verma (23). All are residents of Kaikadi Nagar slum area in Nagpur.

Patel subsequently approached Beltarodi Police Station and was referred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, for treatment. After receiving medical attention, he returned to the police station and lodged a complaint.

Beltarodi Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws. Further investigation is underway.