A man’s request for water ended tragically when he was allegedly killed by his neighbour in the Mundhwa area of Pune, police reported on Wednesday. The accused, Rakesh Tukaram Gaikwad (35), was apprehended by the police on Tuesday.
Gaikwad allegedly struck his neighbor, Shrikant Alhat, with a cement block and an iron rod after a request for water escalated into a violent altercation. Alhat, who lived alone, succumbed to his injuries due to excessive bleeding.
“The incident took place on Monday night when Alhat asked Gaikwad for water. This seemingly innocent request angered Gaikwad, leading to a heated argument between the two. The argument quickly turned violent, with Gaikwad attacking Alhat with deadly weapons,” a police official said.
“The relationship between Gaikwad and Alhat was strained due to Alhat’s alcoholic habits. The request for water at midnight was the tipping point that led to the tragic outcome. Alhat lost consciousness and succumbed to his injuries,” the official added.
The victim’s brother, Santosh Alhat, filed a complaint with the police, leading to Gaikwad’s arrest. The FIR was lodged under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code at Mundhwa Police Station on Monday. Further investigation is underway in the case.