An attempt to stop an assault on an elderly man spiralled into a fatal act of rage in Worli, where the senior citizen’s 43-year-old assailant was allegedly beaten and kicked to death by his close friend following a heated argument near an electrician’s workshop at Worli Naka, a bustling junction, late on Saturday night. The Worli police have arrested the accused, Nilesh Kalidas Salunke, 40, a labourer with a criminal past, and booked him for murder.
According to police, the deceased, Pramod Ram Gupta, 43, and Salunke were long-time friends who often spent time together in the area. Trouble erupted when Gupta was allegedly seen assaulting an elderly man in the neighbourhood. Witnessing the incident, Salunke reportedly intervened and questioned Gupta over his conduct.
Instead of backing off, Gupta allegedly reacted aggressively and snapped at his friend, asking him what business it was of his. Investigators believe the sharp exchange triggered an uncontrollable rage in Salunke. “The argument escalated within minutes. What started as a verbal confrontation suddenly turned violent,” a police officer said.
Locals rushed the critically injured man to Nair Hospital, where he was declared dead. FILE PIC
Police said the accused allegedly dragged Gupta into the open space of the electric repair workshop and punched and kicked him, particularly on his chest and upper body, causing him to collapse on the spot. Locals rushed the critically injured man to Nair Hospital, where doctors declared him dead during treatment.
Based on a complaint filed by Pravin Ramesh Kadam, 34, a housekeeping staffer from Premnagar who knew both men, the Worli police registered a murder case and launched a swift probe. The accused was traced and arrested with the help of the detection team.
Background checks revealed that seven cases, including theft-related ones had been registered against Salunke. Police said he had faced preventive action earlier and was out on bail at the time of the incident. “Prima facie, the murder appears to be the result of a sudden burst of anger. The fact that the accused and deceased were close friends makes the case all the more disturbing,” a senior officer said.
The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem analysis to ascertain the exact cause of death. Police are also probing the initial assault on the elderly man, which sparked the confrontation. CCTV footage from nearby establishments is being examined, and statements of eyewitnesses are being recorded.
0 Comments