Nagpur: A dispute over payment for sound system services and the return of equipment allegedly led to the murder of a young businessman, Abhijit Diwan Sidam, in the Gittikhadan area on Monday night.

The incident occurred between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm on October 12 near Dinshaw Factory in Gond Mohalla. Sidam, who was involved in the sound system business, had reportedly hired a group to play a band at a Devi festival programme. A dispute allegedly arose over payment after the work was completed, following which the other party retained the sound equipment.

Sidam later went to recover the equipment and settle the dispute, accompanied by a friend. A heated argument broke out between the two groups, during which Sidam was allegedly attacked with a sharp weapon.

He sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Mayo Hospital, where he died during treatment. Gittikhadan police reached the spot and launched a search for the accused.

According to preliminary police information, Shashank alias Dadu alias Lakwa Sadmake has been named as the prime accused. Harsh Kulmethe and Umesh alias Ramesh Tilak Sadmake have been detained. Several other suspects, including Ankit Wankhade and Nayan Dev Kulmethe, are being traced.

Further investigation is underway.