BAGALKOT: A dispute during a Dasara Dandiya celebration in Vinayaka Nagar, Mudhol, allegedly turned fatal when a 25-year-old man was stabbed to death and his uncle sustained serious injuries in a knife attack on October 18.
The deceased, Nitin Nimbalkar, was reportedly stabbed in the chest and abdomen following a confrontation with Srinivas Kadari, 22, and two of his associates. Nitin’s uncle, Sanjay Nimbalkar, was injured when he attempted to intervene in the fight and was admitted to a private hospital in Bagalkot.
According to preliminary information, doctors said Sanjay was out of danger. Mudhol police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dispute breaks out during Dandiya programme
The incident occurred during a Dandiya programme organised in Vinayaka Nagar as part of the Dasara festivities. According to preliminary reports, Srinivas allegedly arrived at the venue under the influence of alcohol and cannabis and behaved inappropriately towards women participating in the dance.
He also reportedly quarrelled with young men involved in the puja activities at the venue.
Nitin is said to have intervened and asked Srinivas to leave the programme and stop creating a disturbance. The disagreement reportedly escalated, and Nitin allegedly struck Srinivas once during the confrontation.
Following the argument, Srinivas allegedly left the venue and returned with two associates, identified as Sampath and Pradeep.
Attack leaves Nitin dead, uncle injured
The confrontation reportedly resumed after Srinivas and his associates returned to the spot. What began as a verbal exchange soon escalated into a physical altercation.
During the fight, Nitin was allegedly attacked with a knife and sustained severe injuries to his chest and abdomen. He succumbed to his injuries.
Sanjay attempted to intervene and stop the fight but was also stabbed in the process. He was immediately shifted to a private hospital in Bagalkot for treatment.
The incident caused shock and grief among residents, as the locality had gathered for the festive programme. What was intended to be a community celebration ended in violence, leaving Nitin’s family and relatives mourning his death.
Nitin’s relatives have demanded strict action against those responsible and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Police investigate possible previous enmity
Mudhol police have registered a case and are investigating the sequence of events that led to the fatal attack. Investigators are examining accounts of the confrontation, the alleged return of the accused with their associates and the circumstances in which the knife attack occurred.
Police are also looking into whether the clash arose solely from the dispute during the Dandiya programme or whether previous enmity may have contributed to the violence.
Bagalkot Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal said the incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute connected with the Dandiya and puja celebrations. He confirmed Nitin’s death and the stab injuries sustained by his uncle.
The SP said investigators would examine all possible angles, including the possibility of an earlier rivalry, before taking further action based on the findings.
The allegations against the individuals named in preliminary reports remain subject to investigation, and their roles will be established through the legal process.
Festive gathering overshadowed by violence
The fatal incident has cast a pall of gloom over Vinayaka Nagar during the Dasara celebrations. Dandiya programmes and community gatherings are held during the festive period, bringing residents together for music, dance and religious activities.
The violence has raised concerns among residents about the circumstances that allowed a disagreement at a public celebration to escalate into a fatal attack.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the full sequence of events and determine individual responsibility. Further details are expected as investigators gather evidence and record statements from witnesses.