Nagpur: DJ operator stabbed in clash over Rs 20,000 loan and a song played on a rooftop

Nagpur: A dispute over a loan of just Rs 20,000, sharpened by the song "Baap toh baap rahega" playing on a DJ system, turned into a violent clash in a locality in Hazarewadi, under the Imambada police station limits. Knives and sticks were used. The DJ operator's throat and cheek were badly injured by knife wounds, while his wife and a youth from the other side were also hurt. The incident has created tension in the locality. Police have registered cases against each other's parties on the complaints of both sides.

According to police, Niklesh Katare, 37, a resident of Hazarewadi, runs a DJ business. Nehal Uke, who lives in the same locality, used to work for him. About six months ago, Katare lent Nehal Rs 20,000. When Katare asked for the money back, Nehal began to stall. He also stopped coming to work. Relations between the two were already strained over the loan.

On the night of October 28, Katare was having a meal with friends on the terrace of his house. Nehal was also holding a party with his friends on a terrace nearby. At Nehal's party, the song "Baap toh baap rahega, jalne walon ko jalne de" was playing on the DJ system. Nehal also began whistling while looking towards Katare. Amid the existing tension over the loan, Katare took offence and called Nehal on the phone to reprimand him. The dispute took a dangerous turn from there. The exchange of words on the phone did not subside and instead escalated.

Soon afterwards, Nehal arrived at Katare's house with Sujata Uke and Bhagyashree Uke. They abused Katare and attacked his wife with a stick. Seeing his wife being beaten, Katare and his friends rushed to intervene. During this, Nehal drew a knife and attacked Katare. Katare was seriously injured, with wounds to his throat, cheek and other parts of his body. The sudden attack caused panic at the spot. His wife was also injured in the assault.

Katare and one of his friends then attacked Nehal as well. Nehal was injured in the beating with a stick. Tension spread in the area after the incident, and the injured were taken to hospital.

Imambada police have registered a case against Nehal, Sujata and Bhagyashree on Katare's complaint, including under sections relating to attempt to murder. On Bhagyashree's complaint, a case of assault has been registered against Katare and one of his friends.