Seven booked after argument over mutual-consent divorce escalates near District Collectorate

Nagpur: A dispute between two families over a mutual-consent divorce turned violent near the District Collectorate on Monday evening, with two men allegedly being attacked with a knife. Sadar police have registered a case against seven persons, including a woman and her family members, in connection with the assault.

According to the complaint filed by Suman Kailas Pusate (50), the families had gathered near the District Collectorate to complete formalities related to the divorce of her nephew and his wife. The two sides had reportedly agreed to settle the matter amicably, including returning jewellery and other belongings exchanged during the marriage.

However, the discussions allegedly turned into an argument after the nephew's wife started quarrelling. When Pusate and her sister objected, accused Mayur Bhagat (40) allegedly attacked Ravindra Bhaurao Lohkare (60) on the head with a knife.

When Ranganath Bhaurao Lohkare (44) intervened to protect him, Bhagat allegedly stabbed him in the abdomen. Police said the attack appeared to have been carried out with an intention to cause serious injury.

The other accused allegedly joined the assault and beat the two men with kicks and punches. The injured were subsequently taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

Sadar police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act. The accused include Bhagat, his wife and younger brother, a woman from Amravati, her father and two other male relatives.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the dispute and the individual roles of all seven accused.