Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur
Nagpur, Apr 24: In a shocking incident, a hotel owner was allegedly murdered after he demanded physical favours from the accused’s daughter, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Rahul Sunil Sahu (38), owner of Happy Stay Hotel in Acharaj Tower. Police have arrested the accused, identified as Navin Punjabrao Pundkar (42), an e-rickshaw driver and former pet shop owner.
According to police sources, Rahul was engaged in money lending and had given Rs 50,000 to Navin in 2020. Though Navin reportedly repaid around Rs 90,000 over time, Rahul allegedly continued to harass and threaten him for more money.
On Monday night, Rahul went to Navin’s residence on Kamptee Road to demand money. Finding Navin alone at home, Rahul allegedly made an inappropriate demand involving Navin’s daughter, which led to a heated argument.
Enraged, Navin allegedly attacked Rahul with an axe and an iron rod, striking him multiple times on the head and killing him on the spot.
Police said the accused later placed the body in sacks and transported it in his e-rickshaw. He then dumped the body from a bridge in the Nara area before returning home and attempting to clean bloodstains.
The crime came to light on Wednesday morning. During investigation, Jaripatka police traced a label on the sack used to dispose of the body, which led them to a pet shop owned by the accused.
A police team subsequently tracked down Navin and arrested him. He was produced before a court on Thursday and remanded to police custody until April 28.
Further investigation is underway.