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Nagpur: In the wake of recent unsettling murders in the Second Capital of the State, a new wave of violence struck the city as a three-member gang of criminals unleashed terror, attempting to kill three innocent individuals on Wednesday night. The brazen attacks targeted a bouncer at a local pub and a senior citizen, leaving the city’s residents on edge.
The incident unfolded late on Wednesday night when the gang, consisting of Nikhil alias Nikki Dilip Nikhade (26), Harshal alias Shailya Rajendra Selukar (29), and Jiya Khan Gulmustafa Khan Hamidullah (18), embarked on a rampage in various parts of the city. Their first target was Pirates Restro & Lounge located on West High Court Road in Dharampeth, Ambazari Police Station area.
Their initial confrontation occurred around 11:40 PM when bouncer Prakash Shyamlal Raut (29) intervened to prevent the gang from entering the pub. In a swift and violent escalation, the criminals brandished sharp-edged weapons, stabbing Raut and inflicting severe abdominal injuries. Despite their assault, the assailants didn’t relent, issuing further threats before fleeing the scene, leaving Raut in critical condition.
Undeterred, the gang then moved towards Sitabuldi Police Station area, where they encountered two more unsuspecting victims. Ankit Bhimrao Paunikar (26), who was smoking in front of Cardin Stores, and Radhikaprasad alias Raviprasad Kashiprasad Tripathi (74), a resident of New Saraikar Nagar, Futala turning, were both targeted without provocation. The assailants launched a vicious knife attack on them before swiftly escaping into the night.
Following the harrowing assaults, the victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Prakash Shyamlal Raut was admitted to Lifeline Hospital, while Ankit Bhimrao Paunikar and Radhikaprasad Kashiprasad Tripathi were taken to Mayo Hospital for treatment.
Authorities were quick to respond, with Ambazari and Sitabuldi Police registering separate cases under Sections 307, 294, 506(2), and 34 of the IPC. While one of the assailants, Nikhil alias Nikki Dilip Nikhade, has been apprehended, the hunt intensifies for the remaining two culprits, Harshal alias Shailya Rajendra Selukar and Jiya Khan Gulmustafa Khan Hamidullah.
