Nagpur man kills hotel owner after he makes objectionable demand involving daughter

An e-rickshaw driver in Nagpur allegedly killed a hotel owner after a dispute over money escalated, with the victim reportedly demanding his daughter's "honour" over unpaid dues.

In Short

• Victim's body found in sack beneath bridge caused local panic
• Victim demanded extra Rs 35,000, 'honour' of accused's daughter
• Accused confessed to murder using iron rod after argument

An e-rickshaw driver in Nagpur allegedly killed a hotel owner and dumped his body in a drain after a dispute over money and an alleged demand involving the driver’s daughter.

The body was found stuffed inside a sack beneath a bridge triggered panic in the area. Acting on information from locals, police and a forensic team reached the spot and began an investigation.

According to the police, the victim had lent money on interest to the accused. Despite the accused repaying both the principal amount and interest, the victim allegedly continued to demand 35,000 more. When the accused failed to pay, the deceased allegedly demanded the “honour” of his daughter, which led to the fatal confrontation.

The victim was identified as Rahul Sunil Sahu, and ran a hotel named ‘Happy Day’.

Police said call detail records of the victim became a crucial lead in solving the case. During interrogation, 40-year-old e-rickshaw driver Naveen Punjabrao Pundkar confessed to the crime. He told police that he had borrowed money from Rahul during the Covid period and had already repaid double the amount. However, Rahul allegedly kept demanding an additional 35,000.

On the day of the incident, Rahul went to Naveen’s house to collect the money. The argument escalated when Rahul allegedly made the demand involving Naveen’s daughter. Enraged, Naveen picked up an iron rod lying nearby and repeatedly struck Rahul on the head, killing him on the spot.

After the murder, Naveen attempted to dispose of the body. He placed the blood-soaked body inside a sack, loaded it onto his e-rickshaw, and dumped it under the Nara Ghat bridge into the Pili river late at night.

Police Inspector Anil Takasande of Jaripatka Police Station said the accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway.

- Ends