The victim, identified as Akash Sahu, was attacked around 11 pm following a dispute that began after his car collided with a speeding motorcycle near the Gokalpur–Aadhartal area. Police say at least seven youths armed with knives assaulted Sahu in the middle of the road before fleeing the scene.

According to investigators, the incident began at approximately 10:56 pm when Sahu’s Hyundai Creta and a motorcycle traveling from Ranchi towards the city crashed. Both vehicles were damaged. Witnesses told police that an argument followed, but tensions appeared to cool after the motorcyclist admitted fault and discussions began about repairing the car.

However, within minutes, the bike rider reportedly called several associates to the scene. CCTV footage reviewed by police shows a group of young men arriving on motorcycles and surrounding Sahu. He was stabbed multiple times in the chest and legs. Injured, he attempted to run into a nearby alley but collapsed from blood loss.

Sahu was first taken to Ranjhi Hospital and later referred to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, where he died during treatment around 11:30 pm, police said.

Station House Officer Umesh Golhani of Ranjhi police station confirmed that the victim and the attackers were not known to each other. “The altercation appears to have stemmed from sudden anger after the accident. What began as a dispute quickly turned violent,” he said.

In their haste to escape, the attackers left behind their damaged motorcycle, which helped investigators identify at least three suspects. Police have detained several individuals for questioning and launched raids to apprehend the remaining accused. A case of murder has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Family members said Sahu had recently moved to Aadhartal and worked as a security guard while also managing a small furniture business.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments and appealing to witnesses to come forward as the search continues