Labourer killed after dispute over beedi at construction site in Nikol

What began as a petty quarrel over a beedi at a construction site in Nikol escalated into a fatal assault in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving a 28-year-old labourer dead. Police have registered a case of murder and launched a probe into the incident.

According to police, the deceased, identified as Pradeep alias Babulal Kallu Saroj, a native of Pratapgarh district in Uttar Pradesh, had been working as a plumber in the city for the past five years. For the last two months, he had been employed at a site near Mango Cinema in Nikol, known as Pushkar Valley.

The complainant, Vijay Saroj, a cousin of the deceased and also a plumber residing at a construction site in Thaltej, stated in his FIR that he received a call around 4 am from one of the labourers informing him that Pradeep had been involved in an altercation with another worker, Randhir alias Chhotu Chauhan. Initially assuming it to be a minor scuffle, Vijay told the caller he would come in the morning.

Later, another labourer, identified as Philip, informed Vijay that the quarrel had turned violent after Randhir demanded a beedi from Pradeep. The two exchanged heated words, following which Randhir allegedly attacked Pradeep with an iron rod, striking him on the back of the head, left elbow, and both ankles. Pradeep sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Asarwa Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 9 am.

Vijay and other family members who reached the hospital later lodged a formal complaint with Nikol police. Based on his statement, police registered a case of murder against Randhir alias Chhotu under BNS.

Police officials said the accused is currently absconding, and efforts are on to trace him. “The matter is under investigation. We are examining CCTV footage from the construction site and recording the statements of other workers present during the incident,” a Nikol police officer said.