A 22-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was allegedly stabbed to death in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad after an old dispute over a game of gilli-danda turned violent.
The victim, identified as Aftab, was a resident of Jeevan Gate in the Tronica City area. The incident took place late Tuesday night in Vijay Vihar Colony under the Ankur Vihar police station area.
Police said Aftab was attacked multiple times with knives during a clash and later died in hospital.
Six-month-old rivalry led to murder
According to police and family members, the conflict began around six months ago when Aftab was playing gilli-danda with Nadeem and others in Vijay Vihar Colony.
During the game, a dispute broke out and Aftab allegedly slapped Nadeem. Since then, tensions between the two reportedly continued.
Family members claim that Nadeem had threatened Aftab after that incident and was waiting to settle old scores.
Went for Muharram procession, got attacked
On Tuesday night, Aftab was at home with his friend Faiz, preparing a taziya for Muharram, when two acquaintances, Pappi and Sahil, allegedly invited them to join a Muharram procession in Vijay Vihar Colony.
According to Aftab’s mother, Zarina, her son initially refused to go, but later agreed after being persuaded.
When Aftab reached the area, he reportedly came face-to-face with Nadeem and his associates. An argument broke out, which quickly turned into violence.
Multiple knife wounds, died in hospital
Eyewitnesses and friends said Aftab was surrounded by three to four men and stabbed repeatedly in the chest and stomach.
His friend Faiz said, “By the time I came back, I was told Aftab had been attacked. We saw some boys running from the spot.”
He added that Aftab suffered severe injuries and was rushed to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital in Delhi, where doctors declared him dead.
Police said the postmortem examination is being conducted by Delhi Police.
Police launch hunt for accused
Surendra Nath Tiwari said police are investigating the murder from multiple angles.
He said teams have been formed to identify and arrest the accused.
“The murder appears to be the result of old enmity. The accused are absconding and raids are being conducted,” police said.
Forensic teams have also collected evidence from the crime scene.
Family demands justice
Aftab’s family has demanded strict action against the accused, alleging that the murder was planned and linked to the old dispute.
His relatives said they had known about earlier threats but did not expect the matter to escalate to murder.
The killing has created tension in the area, with police maintaining vigilance to avoid any law-and-order issue.
