Nagpur: In a shocking case of gang violence, a dreaded criminal with a long history of offences was brutally murdered under the Rajiv Gandhi Nagar bridge early Thursday morning. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Yashodhara Nagar Police Station, and investigators suspect it to be the fallout of a violent gang rivalry.

The deceased has been identified as Sameer Sheikh alias Yeda Shamsher Khan (30), a resident of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar and one of the most notorious history-sheeters in Zone 5. Police records show that Sameer had more than 31 criminal cases registered against him, including charges of attempted murder, assault, and under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act. He was also heavily involved in ganja (marijuana) trafficking, earning him a notorious reputation in Nagpur’s crime circles.

According to preliminary reports, the murder was allegedly orchestrated by a rival criminal Ashu, who resides in the same locality. The assailants reportedly used sharp-edged weapons like machetes (koita) and baseball bats to carry out the brutal killing. The attack took place dangerously close to Ashu’s residence, intensifying suspicions of his direct involvement.

At the time of the incident, Sameer was reportedly returning home from his in-laws’ place in Mominpura. The attackers ambushed him beneath the bridge, leaving him fatally injured. Yashodhara Nagar Police reached the spot swiftly, sent the body for post-mortem, and launched a thorough investigation.

Several individuals have already been detained for questioning, while the prime suspect Ashu has gone absconding. A massive manhunt has been initiated to trace him and his associates.

Police sources confirm that the murder appears to be part of an ongoing turf war between rival criminal gangs operating in North Nagpur. Security in the area has been tightened to prevent any potential retaliatory violence.

Further investigation is underway.