SMC sanitation worker stabbed 30 times

SURAT: A 45-year-old sanitation worker of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) was stabbed nearly 30 times after a petty quarrel between neighbours snowballed into a major fight in Pandesara on Monday.
The victim Gavlesh Bhagat is battling for life in the hospital. Police booked his neighbour Nehal alias Aku Chauhan and Sunny alias Sahil Makwana, both 20 yaer -olds living in Chhappanchal of Rudarpura locality, for attempt murder. The complaint was lodged by Bhagat’s elder brother Ketan in Pandesara police station.
Bhagat was on duty on the road behind Sarvoday Co-operative Housing Society when Chauhan and Makwana came on a motorcycle and stabbed him multiple times. Bhagat collapsed on the road and was rushed to the hospital in a profusely bleeding condition.
Police investigation so far revealed that the families of Chauhan and Bhagat are at loggerheads over multiple issues and often fought with each other. On Sunday, both families had an argument as Chauhan used to speed past the Dashama idol placed near Bhagat’s house on his bike. Bhagat had asked Chauhan not to drive rashly during the on-going Dashama festival. After a bitter altercation, Bhagat had called the police control room.
Police visited the spot on Sunday night and ensured peace. Chauhan, however, harboured a grudge against Bhagat for calling the police and the attack on him was an act of revenge.
“The assailants have been identified and we are working to nab them,” said a police officer.