Police say fight broke out over a misunderstanding; both accused and victim were old rivals and had prior criminal cases registered against them
Gurukrupa Bar and Restaurant in Malad
In a clash arising out of an old enmity, a man was killed after being attacked with beer bottles and knives outside a restaurant and bar in Malad West in the wee hours on Thursday. Police said the incident took place at around 2.30 am outside the Gurukrupa Bar and Restaurant at Chincholi Bunder. Police have identified the deceased as Kalpesh Bhanushali, 42, a resident of Vitthal Nagar.
Police said they have identified the accused involved and have arrested the main accused, Sanjay Makwana, while the search for others is underway. Police sources said the victim, along with his two friends arrived at the restaurant when the staff told them that it was closed and that they could not be seated. This led to a heated argument.
The deceased Kalpesh Bhanushali. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
At the same time, accused Makwana, who was leaving the restaurant after his meal, allegedly misunderstood the situation and thought that Bhanushali was hurling abuse at him, following which a quarrel broke out. As the situation worsened, Makwana reportedly called some of his friends to the spot. They then attacked Bhanushali with beer bottles and knives and fled.
Police sources said that Bhanushali sustained severe injuries on his head, back, and body. His friends rushed him to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. During the investigation, it was revealed that there was a long-standing rivalry between Makwana and Bhanushali, and both had prior criminal cases registered against them. According to the victim’s friends, the restaurant staff washed away the bloodstains inside and outside the premises to destroy evidence.
However, police dismissed these allegations, telling mid-day that the restaurant had already closed for the night and that it was their routine practice to clean the premises after shutting down. Police said they have recovered bloodstains and broken beer bottles from the spot. Senior Inspector Dushyant Chavan, Malad police station, told mid-day that a murder case has been registered, and further investigation and search for the absconding accused are underway.
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