Maharashtra: Bootleggers kill partner in dry Wardha district

WARDHA: A 32-year-old illicit liquor seller was murdered by three other bootleggers after a quarrel over selling liquor near Karala village, some 5km from the city, on Thursday at around 12.30pm.
Rahul Magar (32), a resident of Satoda village, which is close to the crime scene, met his three friends and ended up arguing over liquor sales, leading to a quarrel. Police station officer of Sawangi police station API Rewchand Singanjude said, “Offence is yet to be registered, we will arrest all three after registering the crime.”
API Singanjude said the four met at a farm near the village, where one of them stabbed Rahul in the stomach with a knife.Villagers took him to hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Liquor is prohibited in Wardha district, however all types of liquor is available. While groups of women in Satoda village have stopped production and sale of country liquor, illicit liquor sellers operate from Karala village.
Sources said that this murder was due to conflict over liquor selling area. “There was a conflict between these groups over area where they can sell,” said a source. Police denied this, and said there was a fight over some monetary matter. Since a month police administration has been running a special washout drive to curb production and sale of country liquor.
Offence had not been registered till the time of filing this report while police said they have identified all three accused and will arrest them after lodging the complaint.