Nagpur: A 20-year-old murder accused out on bail was allegedly killed by rivals following a confrontation on Wednesday night. His body was found in shrubs behind a reputed college under Wathoda police station limits.Pratik alias Aditya Karandikar was among the accused in the murder of Noor Hussain in Pardi last year. He was released on bail in June 2026 and allegedly resumed criminal activities. Police sources said he was trying to regroup associates, often moved around with knife-wielding companions, and sought to establish his dominance in the area.According to investigators, Pratik was drinking with his associates on the night of the incident when an altercation broke out with Awez Iqbal Sheikh (18), an autorickshaw driver, Saqib Sheikh (26), who is facing charges under the POCSO Act and in a rape case, and a minor.During the confrontation, Pratik allegedly brandished a knife and chased the trio. The three then retaliated. Investigators said Saqib picked up a stone and hurled it at Pratik’s head, knocking him to the ground. The group allegedly continued to assault him with stones, inflicting severe head injuries that proved fatal.Police later recovered the body. A preliminary examination indicated that he died from repeated blows to the head with stones.Investigators also uncovered a history of animosity between the accused and the deceased. Awez was a close friend of Noor Hussain, whose murder allegedly involved Pratik and his associates in 2025. Though the two were said to have reconciled after Pratik’s release and had become friendly, police believe an earlier road-rage incident in which Pratik allegedly assaulted Awez had left lingering resentment. Investigators suspect this, coupled with the fresh dispute, contributed to the fatal attack.Senior Inspector Pramod Pore of Wathoda police station confirmed that Saqib and Awez have been arrested, while the minor has been detained. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the roles of all the accused and examine any broader gang connections.
