Man & his teenaged son stabbed to death in Waluj; five of a family held

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A simmering dispute between two neighbouring families erupted into a double murder hours after Navaratra celebrations ended, leaving a 43-year-old truck driver and his teenage son dead and two others injured in Waluj MIDC in the early hours of Tuesday.Babasaheb Kirtikar (43) and his son Nihal (19) were allegedly stabbed to death at Krishnanagar in Ranjangaon Shenpunji around 1 am. Babasaheb’s two other sons, Sahil and Kunal, were also injured in the attack.Police have arrested five members of the Gaychand family: Rajendra Gaychand (53), his wife Shano (52), sons Nagesh (21) and Mayur (20), and daughter Mansi (19). Originally from Haryana, the Gaychand family lived next to the Kirtikars.According to the complaint filed by Sahil, the violence began near a Navaratra celebration venue at the Maruti temple. Sahil had gone to the venue when Rajendra and his son Nagesh allegedly confronted him and assaulted him with a wooden stick. When Babasaheb rushed to the spot along with Kunal and Nihal to intervene, the argument quickly spiralled into a violent clash.Citing the complaint, police said Mayur allegedly joined the assault. During the confrontation, Shano allegedly brought a large knife from the house and handed it to Nagesh. Nagesh then allegedly stabbed Nihal, leaving him critically injured. He allegedly turned the knife on Babasaheb moments later. At the same time, Mayur, Mansi and Shano allegedly attacked Kunal, police said.Babasaheb and Nihal collapsed on the spot with severe stab wounds and were bleeding profusely, the complaint stated. Residents took them to the Govt Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared both dead.Police believe the attack was rooted in an earlier quarrel between the two families. Sub-inspector Sagar Patil said the families had clashed a few days ago. At that time, Babasaheb was allegedly assaulted by members of the Gaychand family. Police suspect that hostility led to Tuesday’s deadly confrontation.Police commissioner Pravin Pawar said police teams moved swiftly after receiving information about the incident and arrested all five accused within hours. “The investigation is underway to establish the precise role of each accused and the circumstances that led to the killings,” Pawar said.Police have launched a detailed probe into the double murder and are recording statements from witnesses and family members.Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news. Download the TOI App.