A minor dispute over tea and cigarettes escalated into a fatal attack in Patna, where a 20-year-old college student was allegedly stabbed to death by a group of youths, sending shockwaves through the locality.

Dispute turns violent in Lohia Nagar

The incident occurred near Nectar Hospital in the Lohia Nagar area, under the limits of Kankarbagh Police Station. The deceased has been identified as Gaurav Kumar, a BA Part-I student.

According to the victim’s family, the trouble began on Tuesday around 4 pm at MIG Park, when Gaurav gave ₹200 to a youth to buy tea and cigarettes. When the money was allegedly not returned, an argument broke out. Family members claimed that the situation soon escalated, with several youths surrounding and assaulting him.

Chased and attacked by group

Gaurav reportedly managed to escape initially and went to a nearby shop in Lohia Nagar, where he informed his family about the confrontation. However, later in the evening around 7.30 pm, a group of 15 to 20 youths allegedly arrived at the shop and attacked him again.

His brother, Saurav, said the assailants chased Gaurav, pinned him down near the gate and stabbed him multiple times. When family members tried to intervene, they were also assaulted, leaving several people injured.

Succumbs to injuries in hospital

Gaurav sustained critical stab injuries and was rushed to Nectar Hospital, where he was admitted for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, police said.

Gaurav was originally from Ramnagar Hridanbigaha village under Barahiya police station in Lakhisarai district and had recently come to Patna. His father runs a small gate-grill business in the city.

Police investigation underway

Following the incident, police teams from Kankarbagh station reached the spot and launched an investigation. A forensic team also collected evidence from the crime scene. Officials said efforts are on to identify and trace all those involved in the attack.

The incident has triggered panic and anger among local residents, who have demanded swift arrests and stricter action to prevent such violence.