Nagpur: A 25-year-old man with a criminal history was allegedly stabbed to death in a narrow lane behind Deshpande Hall, beside Satpura Lawn, in Nagpur’s Civil Lines area, sending shockwaves through the locality. The deceased, identified as Akash alias ‘Dumbak’ Neware, was a resident of Telankhedi Gond Toli Khadan near Ravinagar.

Neware was found critically injured with multiple stab wounds to his chest, stomach, neck, back and hand. His Activa scooter, bearing registration number MH-31-FK-1250, was found at the scene.

According to police sources, Neware had several criminal cases registered against him, including a pending murder case, kidnapping, offences under the Arms Act, theft, burglary and assault. Although he had been externed from the area, he had recently returned and was reportedly claiming to have reformed. He was working at a pan stall near Ravinagar Bus Stop.

Police said Neware had married Avantika Ingle of Gittikhadan around two years ago and was preparing for a formal wedding ceremony after completing court-related formalities.

Preliminary investigation suggests that extortion demands from shops and control over the localitycould have triggered the attack. Police suspect that a group of assailants may have ganged up against Neware and attacked him with sharp weapons.

The Ambazari police have registered a murder case. The Detection Branch and Crime Branch teams are conducting a parallel investigation to identify the assailants and ascertain the exact motive behind the killing.