AURANGABAD: Parbhani city president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Sachin Patil (35), was allegedly murdered by his school friend following an argument over placing a bet during a game of cards in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police have clarified that the murder has nothing to do with political or professional rivalry. Multiple police teams have been formed to nab the attacker, an employee with a private finance company in Parbhani, around 200km from here.
Nava Mondha police station inspector Sandipan Shelke told TOI, "Patil, along with six others, including his elder brother, had gone to a common friend's house in Shivram Nagar late on Monday night. The friend was alone at home. While playing cards and partying, an argument broke out between Patil and the attacker."
Police said the group first consumed liquor and later decided to play cards on the second floor of the house.
Parbhani MNS chief killedby friend after tiffA heated argument broke out between Patil and the attacker when the latter placed a smaller bet. The argument almost led to blows between the two but the others managed to separate them.
Around 2.45am, Patil went to the ground floor alone. Minutes later, the attacker followed him and a fresh argument broke out between them which eventually led to blows. The attacker then produced a sharp weapon from his two-wheeler and slashed Patil thrice on the throat. Police later said Patil's carotid artery was cut and his windpipe punctured.
Hearing Patil cry out in pain, the other five men in the flat rushed down and took him to a nearby private hospital. Citing the doctor's statement, police said Patil had suffered considerable loss of blood and his pulse had fallen badly by the time he was brought to the hospital. He was referred to the government hospital, where he was declared brought dead.