Father-son among accused attacked victim with knife, sticks and bricks in broad daylight; live video of incident surfaces online

A 22-year-old DJ operator was beaten to death in Chhattisgarh's Korba district late Sunday night over a dispute that began with an Instagram story.

The victim, Ravi Yadav, a resident of Ramsagar Para under Kotwali police station limits, was returning home from an event when he was attacked by a group of men armed with knives, sticks and bricks.

The attack was allegedly led by Mahendra Gangwani, a local vendor, along with his minor son and several associates. The violent assault was captured on video by bystanders and has since gone viral on social media.

According to police, the dispute between Yadav and Gangwani began about a week ago over an Instagram story. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, and a complaint was filed at the local police station. For a few days, the matter remained quiet.

On Sunday night, Yadav was returning home from an event when he encountered Gangwani. The two again exchanged heated words, and the situation quickly turned violent.

Gangwani, along with his minor son and other accomplices, launched a brutal attack on Yadav. They used knives, sticks and bricks, repeatedly striking him on the head and body. Yadav collapsed at the spot, bleeding profusely, and died on the scene due to excessive bleeding.

A friend who tried to intervene was also severely injured and was admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Following the murder, angry locals gathered at the accused's house and vandalized his property and vehicle. Tension gripped the area. Family members of the deceased and local residents staged a protest outside the Kotwali police station, demanding justice.

Seven Arrested, Investigation Underway

Police arrived at the scene after receiving information about the incident. The injured friend was rushed to the hospital. Yadav's body was sent for post-mortem examination.

Police have arrested seven people in connection with the murder, including the two masterminds. According to Additional SP Lakhan Patle, the incident occurred at around 10 pm on Sunday. The prime accused, Harshit Gangwani and Mahendra Gangwani, are being interrogated.

Superintendent of Police Siddharth Tiwari visited the Kotwali police station and the crime scene. A heavy police force has been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

The exact nature of the Instagram story that sparked the dispute is yet to be ascertained. Police are investigating the matter further.

Residents have alleged that the audacity of local goons is growing due to police negligence. They complained that incidents of lynching, feuds, hooliganism and stabbings are common in the Ramsagar Para, Motisagar Para, and Sitamani areas under the Kotwali station area.