55-year-old murdered in broad daylight in Dindoli

Surat: A 55-year-old man was murdered in broad daylight in the Dindoli police station area of Surat on Tuesday following a clash between two groups near the Bhestan railway overbridge.

The deceased, identified as Zakirkhan Pathan, reportedly had an altercation with Pritam Sharma over a minor issue earlier in the afternoon. The dispute escalated after both men called their friends and relatives to the spot, leading to a violent confrontation involving sharp weapons.

Police said the incident began around 3 pm when Pathan was cleaning empty plastic bags, a source of his livelihood, before selling them. Sharma allegedly arrived at the location, and the two got into a heated argument. Following the quarrel, Sharma reportedly called his associates, Shubham Marathe and Chetan Bawiskar, to confront Pathan.

As tensions mounted, Sharma allegedly stabbed Pathan in the thigh with a knife, causing fatal injuries. In retaliation, Pathan allegedly stabbed Bawiskar in the back.

Both the injured men were rushed to hospital, where doctors declared Pathan brought dead. Bawiskar underwent treatment and is reported to be out of danger.

The Dindoli police have arrested Sharma (22), Marathe (20), and Bawiskar.

Police said cross-complaints have been registered from both sides, and further investigation is underway.