Nagpur: A shocking late-night murder in the Matoshree Nagar area under MIDC Police Station limits has sent shockwaves across the city. An SRPF constable was brutally killed after he objected to a youth’s alleged friendship with his minor daughter. The accused, along with his associates, allegedly stabbed the victim in the chest with an iron rod, resulting in his death. A relative who intervened in the dispute sustained serious injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Pankaj Thakur (42), a driver with the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). His brother-in-law, Arpit (30), is undergoing treatment at a hospital and remains in critical condition.

According to police sources, the prime accused, Akash Haridas Mandal (23), had been in contact with Thakur’s minor daughter for several months. Thakur had reportedly strongly opposed the association and had repeatedly warned the youth to stay away. Despite this, the accused allegedly continued the interaction, leading to tension within the family.

On Thursday night, a religious programme was underway at a local temple in the area on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Amid the gathering, Thakur noticed Akash speaking with his daughter and immediately intervened, asking him to leave. A heated argument broke out between the two, following which Akash initially left the spot.

However, police said that a short while later, Akash returned with a group of associates, allegedly armed with iron rods and sharp weapons. Before bystanders could react, the main accused allegedly stabbed Thakur in the chest with an iron rod. The assailants then reportedly attacked him with sharp weapons, targeting him repeatedly.

Arpit, who was present at the scene, rushed to intervene in an attempt to stop the altercation but was also assaulted by the accused. Panic gripped the locality as chaos erupted. Both injured men were rushed to a hospital in a blood-soaked condition, where doctors declared Pankaj Thakur dead on arrival.

Police acted swiftly and arrested the main accused, Akash Mandal, along with four of his accomplices. A case of murder has been registered, and further investigation is underway. Officials said evidence is being collected and efforts are on to ascertain the exact sequence of events and motive behind the crime.

The incident has raised concerns over rising violent confrontations linked to personal disputes in Nagpur.