Man murdered in the middle of busy road, cops suspect supari killing

Nagpur: North Nagpur was rocked by the broad daylight murder of property dealer Ankush Kadu on a busy road. Kadu, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), was stabbed to death at Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar by at least six unidentified assailants in the middle of the road amidst moving vehicles on Saturday evening.

Kadu, who had many offences registered against him, was riding a two-wheeler when he was stopped near a divider on the busy road by one of the assailants on the pretext of asking something. The assailant pinned Kadu down while others attacked him. As Kadu tried to escape, the assailant overpowered and stabbed him all over the body.

Later, the attackers fled the spot leaving Kadu in a pool of blood in the middle of the road. One of the assailants left his weapon at the spot. Sources said the crime scene was just 200 metres from Kadu's residence. They said that the assailants were on bikes and had their faces covered.

A section of the police is linking Kadu's murder to contract killing over property-related disputes. Political rivalry is also not being ruled out, said cops. Women-related issues are also being probed as the motive behind the murder, as Kadu had an offence of molestation registered against him.

The murder triggered panic in the locality as the onlookers ran for cover. Some shopkeepers also downed their shutters, viewing the gory murder. Kadu was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead.

Kadu was involved in some litigation over possession of land in north Nagpur and other parts of the city. Sources said Kadu had enmities with some top builders, promoters, and their agents.

Officials said that the CCTV footage of the incident points to assailants being hardcore criminals. "The assailants left no stone unturned to ensure he would not survive the attack," said a senior cop.

Kapil Nagar police have registered an offence of murder and are quizzing some suspects. The crime branch too has joined the probe, and CCTV cameras across the city are being scanned.

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