Nagpur: The city witnessed a gruesome murder on Thursday morning after the blood-soaked body of a 28-year-old mason was discovered near an under-construction site at Aadhar Nagari under the jurisdiction of MIDC Police Station. The victim’s head had allegedly been crushed with a large stone, sending shockwaves across the area.

The deceased was identified as Akash Krishna Bharde (28), a resident of Panchsheel Nagar in Bhimnagar, Isasani. Akash worked as a construction labourer and mason and had been married for the past few years.

According to police officials, Akash had left home on Wednesday night but did not return, causing concern among family members. On Thursday at around 6.55 am, passersby spotted a body lying near the wire compound of the under-construction Aadhar Nagari project on the road leading towards MIHAN.

Police sources said the unidentified assailant brutally attacked Akash and smashed his head with a heavy stone before fleeing the spot. The body was found in a pool of blood.

After receiving information, MIDC police immediately rushed to the crime scene and began investigations. Initially, the victim’s identity remained unknown. Later in the evening, Akash’s wife reached the spot and identified the body.

MIDC Police have registered a murder case against an unknown accused under Section 103(1) and launched a detailed probe into the incident. Investigators are examining all possible angles, including personal rivalry, disputes, or any recent conflicts that may have led to the brutal killing.

The murder has created panic in the locality, especially as the crime occurred near a developing residential zone close to the MIHAN area. Police teams are scanning CCTV footage from nearby routes and questioning acquaintances of the deceased to trace the accused.