Two stabbed to death in attack over extorting money in Surat

SURAT: Two men were killed by a group of around 11 persons in Pandol locality of Ved Road early on Friday morning. While the police are yet to confirm the exact reason behind the fatal attack, other labourers in the area alleged that the attackers were demanding ‘hafta’ from the deceased labourers.
The argument over ‘hafta’ turned ugly and the mob thrashed the two labourers — Rajesh Rathod and Kartik Chauhan — to death. The duo succumbed to grievous stabbing injuries while another labourer, Balkeshwar Parihar suffered injuries.
Preliminary police investigation revealed that the accused arrived near the residences of these labourer on two wheelers and started beating up the people. They also stabbed a few of them in the melee.
Pandol is a textile weaving hub where thousands of mill labourers live in these labour colonies. Disputes among those dealing in country liquor, gangs collecting ‘hafta’ from workers and extorting money in land deals have been reported at regular intervals here. However, it is yet not clear if any gang was involved in this case of double murder.
Police are questioning Parihar to gather more details about the attackers. Cops have identified a few suspects who were involved, but they are on the run.