NAGPUR: Refusing to drink liquor allegedly proved costly for a 26-year-old man, who was assaulted and stabbed by two acquaintances following an argument in the Panchpaoli area of Nagpur. One accused allegedly attacked him with a knife on the chest, while the other stabbed him in the back after the victim declined an offer to drink together.

According to police, the incident took place near the house of Dharmadas Dongre in Baba Buddha Nagar on November 8 at around 10 pm. The victim, identified as Sheikh Farid Sheikh Iqbal (26), a resident of Teka Taj Nagar near Sailani Chicken Centre, was sitting at the spot when one of the accused, Karan (26), invited him to have liquor.

When Farid refused the offer, he allegedly abused Karan, triggering an argument. Karan questioned him over the abuse and allegedly started assaulting him with fists and blows.

Meanwhile, the second accused, Prem Anil Meshram (20), allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Farid in the chest. Karan also allegedly attacked him with a knife, inflicting a stab wound on his back.

The injured victim subsequently underwent treatment at Mayo Hospital. After completing his treatment, he approached Panchpaoli police on November 11 and lodged a complaint.

Police registered an offence against Karan and Prem Anil Meshram under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 118(1), 115(2), 352 and 3(5). Further investigation is underway.