A 20-year-old youth who was critically injured during a violent dispute over New Year celebrations in the Kamla Nagar area of Bhopal died on Monday after four days of treatment. Following his death, police enhanced the charges to murder and sent all the accused to jail, officials said.

Assault during New Year celebrations

The deceased, Jatin Pathak (20), a resident of Ambedkar Nagar Multi and a private sector employee, was injured in an assault that took place late on January 1. According to police, Jatin, his friend Sumit Raut (20) and others were warming themselves near a bonfire after New Year celebrations in the apartment complex.

At the same time, Prakash and his associates, including Amit—an army personnel staying in the area on rent—and others were celebrating a birthday party on the first floor and bursting crackers, allegedly throwing them downwards.

When Jatin and his friends objected, an argument broke out which soon escalated into violence.

Brutal attack caught on video

Police said the accused allegedly came downstairs armed with sticks and attacked Jatin and his friends. During the assault, Jatin was hit on the head with a stick and collapsed unconscious, while his companions managed to flee.

A video of the incident later went viral on social media, showing the accused repeatedly beating Jatin even as he lay injured and bleeding on the ground.

Death after four days, charges upgraded

Jatin remained under treatment for four days but succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Following his death, police upgraded the case to murder.

Police confirmed that Prakash, Amit, Manish, Sunil Kumar and Rahul have been arrested and sent to jail. During the investigation, it emerged that Amit is serving in the Indian Army and had come to Bhopal for training.

Protest by family and locals

After Jatin’s death, family members, relatives and local residents staged a road blockade in Kamla Nagar, stopping the ambulance carrying the body while it was being taken towards the Bhadbhada crematorium for last rites.

Protesters alleged that Prakash’s wife, a police constable, was shielding her husband and demanded that she be named as an accused. Police, however, clarified that she was on official duty at the time of the incident and was not involved.

Police said further investigation is underway and assured strict action based on evidence.