Kanpur: A horrifying incident unfolded in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where a 22-year-old law student was brutally assaulted with a cleaver over a dispute regarding the price of a medicine. The victim, identified as Abhijeet Singh Chandel, suffered grievous injuries after his stomach was slit open and two fingers were chopped off during the violent attack.
According to police, the shocking incident occurred near the victim’s residence in Keshavpuram, where Chandel had gone to purchase medicine. He reportedly got into an argument with the pharmacy owner, Amar Singh Chauhan, over the pricing of the medicine. The confrontation quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl.
Four attackers involved in the assault
Police said that Chauhan, along with his brother Vijay Singh and two associates, Prince Srivastava and Nikhil Tiwari, attacked the law student with a sharp cleaver. The attackers struck him on the head and abdomen, leaving him critically injured.
“The accused assaulted the student with a sharp-edged weapon, splitting open his stomach and chopping off two fingers. He was left bleeding on the road while the assailants fled,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kalyanpur), Ranjeet Kumar.
Victim’s family and locals rushed to help
Eyewitnesses said that Chandel collapsed on the road, soaked in blood, before locals rushed to his aid. His family members, upon reaching the scene, tied his intestines with a cloth to stop the bleeding before rushing him to a hospital.
However, the ordeal worsened when four hospitals allegedly refused to admit him due to the severity of his condition. He was finally admitted to Regency Hospital, where doctors performed a two-hour emergency surgery. Police said Chandel received 14 stitches on his head and remains in a critical but stable condition.
Three arrested, search for fourth accused on
Police confirmed the arrest of three accused — Amar Singh Chauhan, Vijay Singh, and Nikhil Tiwari — on charges of attempt to murder, while efforts are underway to locate the fourth suspect, Prince Srivastava.
ACP Kumar stated that “a case of attempt to murder has been registered against the accused. One of the attackers is still absconding, and teams have been deployed to trace him.”
Mother alleges police bias and false case
In a shocking claim, the victim’s mother, Neelam Singh Chandel, alleged that the accused men have strong connections with the local police. She claimed that instead of taking swift action against the attackers, police booked her critically injured son under a false extortion case filed by the pharmacy owner on the same night of the attack.
She said, “Instead of arresting those who tried to kill my son, police registered an extortion case against him while he was fighting for his life.”
The Assistant Commissioner confirmed that an extortion case had been filed based on a complaint from the accused shop owner but clarified that it was lodged after the attack took place.
Investigation underway
Police have launched a detailed investigation into both the attack and the counter-allegations. Senior officials have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the brutal assault.
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with residents demanding a fair and transparent probe. Many have criticised the alleged delay in police response and the hospitals’ refusal to admit the victim in time.
As of Sunday evening, Chandel remains under intensive medical care at Regency Hospital, while police continue to hunt for the absconding accused.