Police have arrested two men accused of fatally assaulting an elderly couple in Sendurus village on the night of June 2, officials said on Wednesday. Initial reports indicate the attack followed a dispute over parking a motorcycle, investigators told reporters.

Forced entry, deadly blows
According to police, the accused used a scalpetti strip to force open the couple’s house and entered through the door late in the night. The victims, identified as 70-year-old Purushottam Khunte and his wife, 65-year-old Guhrin Bai Khunte, were asleep in the verandah when the assailants struck them repeatedly on the head and face with an iron rod, leading to their deaths at the scene.

Stolen items recovered
Investigators said the attackers took a gold necklace from the woman’s neck, a nose stud and some items of jewellery kept in a cupboard, along with cash and the couple’s mobile phone. Forensic teams recorded blood-stained bedding and photographed the scene before bodies were sent for post-mortem.

Phone trace led to arrests
Police said tracking the stolen phone’s location brought them to the Palgada area in Kharsia police station limits. Devkumar Yadav (33) was detained at a roadside eatery there; the phone was recovered from him. Under sustained questioning, Devkumar allegedly named his accomplice, 40-year-old Rupcharan Yadav, both residents of Pandripani, and the two confessed to carrying out the murder and robbery, officials added.

Old rivalry, fresh violence
Sources familiar with the probe said the attackers had an earlier quarrel with Purushottam over parking a bike outside his home. “The dispute escalated into a plan to attack,” a senior officer said, adding that during interrogation the pair admitted the motive was a personal grudge relating to the parking row.

Confession links to 2024 double murder
In a further disclosure, both men allegedly accepted responsibility for a high-profile double killing in June 2024 from Mukta village in the same Malharoda police limits. Police records show that victims Magnalal Gabel and Budhwara Bai Gabel had been slain inside their home in that case. That investigation, filed last year under Section 103(1) of the Indian Penal Code at Malharoda, had remained unresolved until now, officials said.

Dealer arrested for buying stolen gold
The probe also led to the arrest of a local jewellery trader, Baboolal Sahu (50), proprietor of Khileshwar Jewellers in Jaijaipur. Police said Rupcharan sold stolen ornaments to Sahu for about Rs 84,000. Officers recovered several pieces of gold and cash from the accused’s possession and charged him under provisions for purchasing stolen property.

Evidence seized
Police listed recovered items as roughly 9 grams of gold jewellery, 5 grams of melted gold, Rs 77,000 in cash, the iron rod allegedly used in the attack, the couple’s motorcycle, and the looted mobile phone. Authorities said murder and robbery cases were registered at Malharoda police station under Sections 331(8) and 103(1) of the IPC (as cited by local officials).

Local reaction and context
Villagers in Sendurus expressed shock and fear after the killings, saying the Khunte couple were well-known for farming and lived alone as their children worked elsewhere. “They were simple people; nobody expected such brutality over a small dispute,” a neighbour said to local reporters. Police increased patrolling in the area following the arrests.

Next steps in probe
Investigators said they will produce the accused before a magistrate and continue forensic tests and scene reconstruction. Officers are also examining links between the suspects and other unsolved crimes in Sakti and nearby police limits. Post-mortem and toxicology reports are pending and will be relied on for final charges, a senior investigating officer said.

Primary keyword repetition
The Sakti murder case has again focused attention on how old grievances can turn deadly in rural pockets, and on local policing capacity to trace stolen mobile devices and illegal scrap routes quickly.

Two Friends Kill Youth Over ₹1,800 and Mobile Password in Chhattisgarh's Sakti

Sakti Murder: Minor Dispute Over Money and Phone Lock Leads to Brutal Killing of 25-Year-Old

Brutal Strangulation and Brick Attack

In a shocking incident that highlights how small arguments can turn deadly, two men allegedly murdered their friend in cold blood over a dispute involving ₹1,800 and a mobile phone password in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district. The crime took place in broad daylight on March 28 in Bandora village under the Malkharoda police station area.

Victim's Daily Routine

Rahul Kurmi, 25, a resident of Bandora village, ran a small laundry machine centre named “Rahul Auto”. On the morning of March 28, he had gone out early around 7 am to look for daily wage labourers at a fly ash site. He returned home later that day, unaware of the tragedy that awaited him near his house.

Accused Demand Money and Password

Around 4 pm on March 28, Indrakumar Gabel, 35, and Narayan Yadav, 20, both from the same village and known to Rahul, reached his house. Indrakumar demanded the return of ₹1,800 he claimed Rahul had taken from his pocket. He also asked Rahul to reveal the face lock password he had allegedly changed on his mobile phone. Narayan accused Rahul of stealing his brother’s mobile as well. What began as a heated exchange quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.

How the Murder Unfolded

According to police, the argument turned ugly when the duo overpowered Rahul. Narayan allegedly used a piece of cloth to strangle him tightly. Even as Rahul continued to struggle and breathe, Indrakumar picked up a brick and repeatedly smashed it on his head and face, ensuring he did not survive. The entire incident occurred close to Rahul’s house in the village.

Police Recover Body, Launch Probe

Locals spotted the body lying near the house in the evening. Rahul’s uncle, Vinod Verma, 42, rushed to the spot after being informed by another villager. He immediately approached the Malkharoda police station and lodged a complaint. Police reached the spot, took the body into custody, and sent it for post-mortem. Marks of strangulation on the neck and severe injuries on the head and face confirmed the brutal nature of the attack.

Quick Arrests Within Hours

Acting swiftly on suspicion, the police team questioned villagers and zeroed in on Indrakumar Gabel and Narayan Yadav. Both were detained from their homes. During interrogation, they reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting the dispute arose over the money and mobile password. Police recovered sufficient evidence linking them to the murder. On March 29, both accused were formally arrested and produced before the court, which remanded them to judicial custody.

Background of the Accused and Victim

All three individuals belonged to the same village and shared a circle of friends. Rahul was known locally for his small business, while the accused were also residents of Bandora. Sources indicated that the ₹1,800 transaction and the mobile lock issue had created simmering tension that boiled over on that fateful afternoon.

Impact on Village and Community

The gruesome murder has sent shockwaves through the quiet village of Bandora and surrounding areas in Sakti district. Residents expressed concern over rising incidents of violence triggered by petty disputes. Many pointed out how easy access to no major weapons still led to such a brutal outcome using everyday items like cloth and brick. The incident has also raised questions about quick escalation of arguments among young men in rural pockets of Chhattisgarh.

Police Praise for Swift Action

Malkharoda police officials said the case was cracked within six hours of the body being discovered, demonstrating effective local intelligence and prompt response. Senior officers have assured a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victim’s family. No other angles are being probed at present, as the accused have admitted their role.

What Lies Ahead

The family of Rahul Kurmi has demanded strict punishment for the killers. The case will now proceed in the local court with charges likely to include murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Police have appealed to villagers to resolve minor disputes amicably and avoid taking the law into their hands. This incident serves as a grim reminder of how trivial issues can destroy lives in moments of uncontrolled anger.

As investigations continue, authorities are monitoring the situation to maintain peace in the area. The entire episode has once again brought focus on the need for better awareness and community intervention in handling personal conflicts before they turn fatal.