Tensions gripped Khandala village in Vaijapur tehsil after a 24-year-old man, Moin Shah, was killed and three others injured in a violent clash between two youth groups on Thursday. The violence allegedly erupted over objectionable social media posts shared between the rival groups.
The police have arrested five individuals so far and launched a manhunt for two more suspects. The arrested have been identified as Shekhar Laxman Nannaware (25), Nandu Popat Janrao (29), Shubham Kailas Jadhav (25), Amit Ramesh Pawar (30), and Kunal Prabhakar Jejurkar (28) — all residents of Khandala village.
Following the attack, Moin Shah succumbed to fatal injuries, while three others were admitted with wounds, including two who suffered stab injuries. The situation remained tense through Friday, with Shah’s family and supporters refusing to allow the autopsy or accept the body until all accused were apprehended.
Despite repeated appeals by local officials — including Police Inspector Satyajit Taitwale, SDM Arun Jarhad, and Tehsildar Sunil Sawant — the crowd only relented after former MP Imtiaz Jaleel intervened. Jaleel assured the public of a thorough probe, warning of protests if any lapses occurred.
Superintendent of Police Vinay Kumar Rathod, who is monitoring the investigation, stated that the case is being pursued with “utmost seriousness” and that more arrests are imminent.
An FIR has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder, attempt to murder, rioting, and unlawful assembly, linked to the ongoing online rivalry between the groups.
