Nagpur: A late-night Christmas celebration turned tragic after a violent clash near Pride Square on Wardha Road in the early hours of Friday, resulting in the death of one youth and leaving another critically injured. The incident occurred around 4 am on December 26 and falls under the jurisdiction of Sonegaon police station.

Police said several people had gathered at Dabo Club on Wardha Road to celebrate Christmas, as clubs were permitted to operate till 5 am for the festival. After the party concluded, an argument erupted between two groups near a parked XUV 700 vehicle close to Hotel Pride Square. The dispute soon escalated into a physical fight.

During the altercation, the accused, identified as Mehul Rahate, allegedly launched a brutal attack on Pranay Naresh Nannaware (28), a resident of the Mahal area, and Gaurav Brijlal Karda (34), a resident of Devyog Apartment on Kalamna Road. The assailant is said to have struck the victims around the rib area using sharp objects, including an iron rod and bricks, inflicting grievous injuries.

Both injured youths were immediately shifted to Orange City Hospital. However, Pranay Nannaware succumbed to his injuries during treatment and was declared dead by doctors. Gaurav Karda is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU, where his condition remains critical.

Sonegaon police have launched an investigation and are recording statements of eyewitnesses. A spot panchnama is being conducted, and the accused has been arrested. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the dispute and to establish the sequence of events leading to the fatal attack.