Nagpur: Gittikhadan tense after Hindutva activist alledgedly stabbed to death by Burhan Sheikh.

Gittikhadan on Edge After Hindutva Activist Stabbed to Death by Muslim Criminals; Police Cite Personal Disputes with Communal Undertone.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Nagpur | Jan 24, 2026:: A 38-year-old man was stabbed to death late Thursday night in Nagpur’s Gittikhadan area, triggering tension in the locality till Friday afternoon, police said.

The deceased was identified as Harsh alias Guddu Shivanandan Pandey, a resident of Kamgar Nagar. The incident occurred between 11 pm and 11.30 pm near Police Line Takli.

Police said the killing appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute, though they are examining all possible angles given the sensitivity of the area and its history of communal tension.

Incident Details

According to police, Pandey was with his friend Milan alias Bunty Wankhede (36), a resident of Prashant Nagar near the CID Office in Mankapur, when the incident took place.

While Pandey stepped aside to attend a phone call, the main accused — Bunty alias Burhan Sheikh, also known as Bunty Panthelewala, a pan kiosk owner from Awasthi Nagar Chowk — allegedly arrived at the spot in a car along with accomplices.

Eyewitnesses told police that the group attacked Pandey with sharp-edged weapons, inflicting fatal injuries, and fled the scene immediately after the assault.

Pandey collapsed at the spot and was later declared dead.

Dispute Over Money Led to Confrontation

Police sources said the incident can be traced to a financial dispute involving the deceased’s brother, Sandeep.

Sandeep had allegedly borrowed ₹10,000 from a local resident, Rahul Vairagade, and failed to repay the amount, leading to arguments and threats. The dispute escalated when Sandeep reportedly visited Vairagade’s residence in Prashant Nagar, Mankapur, where an altercation took place.

Vairagade’s mother later approached the Mankapur police station to lodge a complaint. Bunty alias Burhan Sheikh was reportedly present during the confrontation and exchanged heated words with Sandeep.

Chase and Fatal Attack

Police said that following the confrontation, Burhan Sheikh Bunty and his associates allegedly chased Sandeep and two of his companions, who managed to flee.

During the pursuit, the group allegedly spotted Harsh Pandey near Police Line Takli and attacked him, resulting in his death.

Accused Absconding; Probe On Riots Link

All the accused are currently absconding, police said, adding that multiple teams have been formed to trace and arrest them. Raids are being conducted at suspected locations.

Police sources said that some of the accused had figured in the March 17 riots last year, which had affected parts of Nagpur, including Gittikhadan.

Security Measures and Police Action

Following the incident, additional police forces were deployed in Gittikhadan and adjoining areas to prevent any law-and-order issues. Route marches and intensified patrolling were carried out, officials said.

Commandos were deployed at the residences of the deceased, the accused and at other sensitive locations as a precautionary measure.

Case Registered

The Gittikhadan police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder and common intention based on a complaint filed by Milan Wankhede.

Police said they are examining CCTV footage, questioning witnesses and working to identify all those involved.

Gittikhadan Police have registered a case under Sections 103(1) – ‘punishment for murder’ and 3(5) –  ‘joint liability for criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention’ of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Bunty alias Burhan Sheikh and his associates. Further investigation is in progress.

Appeal for Calm

Senior police officials appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours.

“The investigation is underway and all angles are being examined. Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” a senior police officer said.

The situation in Gittikhadan remained under control on Friday, police added.
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_Agency Inputs.