13 murder cases in 30 days spark outrage as police intensify crackdown on rising violence
Nagpur: Nagpur witnessed a shocking surge in violent crimes in April, with 13 separate murder cases claiming 14 lives within just a month. The alarming rise in brutal killings—averaging nearly one every two days—has triggered public concern in the hometown of both Maharashtra’s Chief Minister and a Union Minister.
Youth Beaten to Death in Wadi Over Spilled Liquor:
The latest incident occurred on April 30, under the jurisdiction of Wadi police station. Suraj Subhash Bhalavi (27), a resident of Sonba Nagar, was allegedly lynched by employees of a country liquor bar after a minor argument broke out over spilled alcohol. The accused—identified as Vishal Divekar, Rohit Varkhade, Sandeep Chavan, Sunil Gote, Prabhakar Chintamani, and others—brutally assaulted Bhalavi, leading to his death.
Domestic Feuds and Sudden Rage Behind Most Killings:
Police reports suggest that a majority of April’s murders were fuelled by domestic tensions or acts of impulsive violence. On April 14, in Hudkeshwar, a youth allegedly poisoned his friend out of jealousy. In a separate incident in the same area, an assistant professor from Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) was murdered by her husband—also a professor at a Raipur-based college—with the help of his brother.
Other similar crimes driven by instant rage were reported in areas under the jurisdiction of Yashodharanagar, Pachpaoli, and Jaripatka police stations.
Old Rivalries, Revenge Motives Add to Death Toll:
Long-standing enmities and gang rivalries also contributed to the bloodshed. The first murder of the month occurred on April 3 in Mankapur, where Sohail Khan was gunned down following a dispute over stall space in a weekly market.
A double murder in Vasantrao Naik Slum on April 9 further rattled residents, as notorious criminals Sagar Masram and Laxman Gondya were killed in a suspected gang-related attack. Revenge killings also made headlines—on April 15, café owner Avinash Bhusari was shot dead in Dharampeth by members of the Bunty Hiranwar gang, allegedly to avenge the earlier murder of Hiranwar’s brother.
Kapil Nagar recorded a contract killing in broad daylight, where property dealer Ankush Kadu was murdered, reportedly orchestrated by a woman linked to a land mafia group and her accomplices.
Police Commissioner Acts Against Inefficiency:
Taking note of the disturbing rise in murders, Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal launched a stringent internal review and disciplinary action. Three police sub-inspectors—including two women—from MIDC police station were suspended, while the Detection Branch (DB) squads at Ambazari and Kapil Nagar police stations were dissolved.
Late-night patrols, combing operations, and aggressive follow-ups have been intensified, with CP Singal warning anti-social elements of strict consequences.
“Most of the murders were the result of domestic disputes or sudden rage. All cases have been solved and the key accused have been taken into custody,” stated CP Ravinder Kumar Singal.
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