Eight knife, sickle and rod attacks over Diwali firecracker disputes rattle Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Amid the lights and celebrations of Diwali, eight incidents of attacks with knives, sickles and iron weapons following minor disputes have come to light in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, causing alarm in the city. Most of the quarrels began over firecrackers.

The first incident took place near the Nehru statue in Chhavani at about 8.30 pm on November 8. Three people on a scooter threw firecrackers at a two-wheeler belonging to Shaikh Affan Shaikh Umar. When an explanation was sought, an argument broke out, and Shaikh Zahid was stabbed in the stomach. A case has been registered at Chhavani police station.

In the MHADA Colony in CIDCO's Murtizapur, Rushikesh Ganesh Shejul was attacked by Rajan Balu Ingole, Abhi alias Bobby More, Sanjay Jadhav alias Bombay and their associates. Rajan allegedly attacked with a knife and Bobby with a sickle. A case has been registered at MIDC CIDCO police station.

In Purva Prakashnagar in Mukundwadi, a fight broke out in front of Arun Padul's house. Bobby More allegedly hit Arun on the head with a stone, while Rajan Ingole stabbed his father in the stomach. The others also beat them. In another incident, in Toranagadnagar, Rajan Ingole struck Hritik Ravindra Patil on the head with a sickle as he had gone to wish a friend a happy Diwali. The case is registered at Mukundwadi police station.

In Santoshi Mata Nagar in the same area, a 17-year-old boy sought an explanation after a firecracker was thrown at his cousin. Sagar Athawale then attacked him on the cheek with a sharp weapon. This too has been reported at Mukundwadi police station.

In the Satara area, in a dispute over a firecracker thrown at a vehicle, Yogesh Aher hit Rohit Santosh Gangawane on the head with an iron rod. Piyush Gadve stabbed Prathamesh Narwade in the hand when he came to intervene. A case has been registered at Satara police station.

In Jawaharnagar, two groups clashed over bursting firecrackers, and cases have been registered against each other. Sunny Nikalje, Abhishek Nikalje, Sunil Nikalje and some others face allegations of assault and stone-pelting. The complaint says Sunny attacked with a knife.

In Ghati Quarters, two neighbouring families quarrelled after one objected to firecrackers being burst near vehicles. Shaikh Shahbaz allegedly stabbed Sumit Ravindra Saude in the hand and ribs. Women were also injured in the incident.

With sharp weapons coming out over trivial matters during the festival days, questions have been raised about public safety. Residents hope the police will take preventive action and step up patrolling to stop such incidents.