Ahmedabad youth slapped over packet of pan masala dies, accused arrested

A 23-year-old youth, Karan Thakor, died after sustaining severe head injuries during a quarrel with his friend in Ramol, Ahmedabad, last month. Police have booked and arrested the accused, identified as Bhavesh Kanubhai Vaghela, on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

According to the complaint filed by Karan’s mother, Madhuben Popatbhai Thakor, the incident took place on the morning of August 17, 2025, when Karan and four of his friends had gone for breakfast at Krishna Hotel in Odhav after playing cards through the night at Sundaram Awas Yojana in Vastral.

On their way back, the group stopped at Dwarkesh Pan Parlour for cigarettes and pan masala. Police said an argument broke out between Bhavesh and Karan over a packet of Rajnigandha pan masala. In a fit of anger, Bhavesh allegedly stepped out of the rickshaw and slapped Karan on his left cheek. Karan fell backwards onto the asphalt road, suffering a severe head injury. He began bleeding from his nose and collapsed on the spot.

Friends rushed him to Civil Hospital in an ambulance, where he remained unconscious for nearly two weeks. Despite treatment in the trauma ward, doctors declared him dead on August 30, citing haemorrhage at the back of the head as the cause.

The Ramol police registered an FIR based on Madhuben’s complaint and launched an investigation. Officials confirmed that Bhavesh Vaghela was subsequently arrested. CCTV footage from outside Mansi Honda showroom near the pan parlour, which captured the incident, has emerged as crucial evidence.

Jitendra Agrawal, DCP Zone 5, said, "The CCTV footage clearly shows the sequence of events. We have arrested the accused Bhavesh Vaghela and further investigation is under way.”

Police said statements of Karan’s friends, who were present during the incident, will be key to strengthening the prosecution’s case.