Ahmedabad: A simmering grudge from a Holi festival spat ended in bloodshed on Sunday night in Sanand GIDC when a knife attack claimed the life of a 32-year-old factory worker and left two others injured. The victims were attacked with knives while they were having dinner. Police have arrested the suspects and are probing the matter.
Israel Sheikh, a forklift operator at National Crane Services, told Sanand police that he and his roommates — Baijnath Thakur, Arshdeep Singh, and Mukhtar Singh — were having dinner when co-workers Virendra Kumar and Asbind Kumar entered the room and started an argument. The situation spiralled quickly, with both intruders allegedly wielding knives.
According to Sheikh’s FIR, the two men tried to forcibly drag Thakur out of the room. When Sheikh and Arshdeep intervened, Virendra allegedly slashed Sheikh’s left arm while Asbind stabbed Arshdeep in the chest and hand. The duo then turned on Thakur and stabbed him multiple times. Thakur collapsed, bleeding profusely, as other residents rushed in to break up the fight.
All three injured men were rushed to the hospital, but Thakur succumbed to his wounds. Sheikh and Arshdeep received multiple stitches and are currently recovering.
Sheikh revealed that the deadly altercation stemmed from an unresolved argument during Holi nearly a month ago between Thakur and Asbind. The grudge apparently boiled over into Sunday’s fatal confrontation.
Sanand GIDC police registered a case on Monday and have launched an investigation into the incident. The suspects are being questioned.