Shahpur man battles for life after knife attack by neighbour over sweets row, 3 booked

A 35-year-old man is battling for his life at SVP Hospital after being allegedly attacked with knives and an iron pipe by three neighbours in Shahpur following a quarrel that began over the return of sweets distributed to mark a family celebration.

Police said the incident took place around 7.30 pm on Tuesday, when complainant Samsadbanu Sheikh (45), her sisters and their father were at their Shahpur residence. The family had distributed sweets a day earlier to celebrate the birth of a grandson in the household. However, neighbours Akil Pathan and his sons Arbaaz and Shahbaz allegedly returned the sweets, triggering tensions between the two families.

On Tuesday evening, when Samsadbanu’s sister questioned the neighbours about the return, an argument ensued. As the quarrel escalated, Samsadbanu’s brother Shahnawaz Khan Pathan arrived at the spot and asked the accused why they were fighting. Enraged, the trio allegedly rushed to their home and returned armed, Arbaaz and Shahbaz with knives, and Akil with an iron pipe.

According to police, Arbaaz and Shahbaz allegedly stabbed Shahnawaz multiple times in the chest, abdomen and near his eye with the intention of killing him. Akil is accused of striking Shahnawaz on the head with an iron pipe, leaving him with severe head injuries.

The complainant and her family members who tried to intervene, were also allegedly assaulted with kicks and fists. The injured Shahnawaz, bleeding heavily, was rushed to SVP Hospital, Ellisbridge, where doctors said his condition is critical and he remains unconscious.

Based on Samsadbanu Sheikh’s complaint, police have registered a case against Akil Pathan and his two sons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder. Senior officers said investigation is under way and efforts are on to trace and arrest the accused, who fled the spot after the attack.

Local police have been deployed in the area to prevent further flare-ups.