A 48-year-old English teacher, Praveen Jha, was bludgeoned to death during a late-night altercation over a parking spot at Matri Chhaya Apartment, Varanasi, on Thursday. Police arrested three accused within hours of the incident.
According to authorities, the dispute began around 10:30 pm when Adarsh Singh, son of a university professor, became agitated after finding Jha’s car occupying his usual parking spot. Although Jha agreed to move his vehicle, Singh allegedly called two friends, Karan Gaud and Satish Patel, and assaulted him.
Eyewitnesses reported that the trio punched, kicked, and struck Jha on the head with bricks and rods, leaving him gravely injured. The apartment guard, Ram Lakhan, attempted to intervene but was pushed aside. Jha was rushed to a private hospital and later referred to BHU trauma centre, where he succumbed to severe head injuries.
Police recovered liquor bottles and cigarette packets from the suspects’ vehicle. During interrogation, Adarsh Singh claimed he was intoxicated and unaware of the severity of his actions.
Background: Jha was a respected educator and school coordinator, living with his wife in the apartment complex. The family expressed deep grief, and the school held a condolence meeting with chairman Deepak Madhok calling for strict punishment.
The apartment has 20 flats but only 16 parking slots, making parking a frequent source of tension. ACP Gaurav Kumar and DCP (Crime) Saravanan confirmed that the three accused were arrested within three hours under section 103(1) of BNS.
Accused details:
Adarsh Singh, 27, MBA graduate, CMO in a multinational company, son of a professor in Patna.
Karan Gaud, 19, student and part-time assistant to Adarsh.
Satish Patel, 19, student and part-time assistant to Adarsh, both from Chandauli district.
Police investigations indicate the trio had gathered at the apartment before the altercation escalated, resulting in the fatal attack.
