A minor argument with a roasted corn (bhutta) seller allegedly escalated into a brutal murder near Futala Lake on Monday evening, leaving one man dead and another seriously injured. The deceased has been identified as Asad alias Aman Khan (32), the nephew of notorious criminal Shekhu. The injured youth, Mayur Jadhav, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. According to police, Asad, Mayur and their friends were eating roasted corn near Futala Lake at around 8.30 pm. When they ran out of corn, Mayur went to a nearby stall to buy more.

 

During the purchase, he reportedly got into an argument with the bhutta seller. After returning to his friends and resuming eating, the seller allegedly called his associates. Soon, Lala Pandey, Bhurya and a few others arrived at the spot and attacked Mayur with sharp weapons. Asad rushed to save his friend, but the attackers repeatedly stabbed him. He collapsed in a pool of blood and died on the spot before he could receive medical treatment. Mayur suffered serious injuries in the assault.

 

The accused fled immediately after the attack. Passersby informed the police, following which senior officers, including Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy and Additional Commissioner of Police Vinita Sahu, along with Gittikhadan Police personnel, reached the scene. After conducting the panchnama, the body was sent for post-mortem. Police have registered a murder case and launched a manhunt for the accused. Preliminary information suggests that Lala Pandey has a criminal background and is reportedly related to notorious criminal Janglya. Police are investigating the exact motive behind the attack.