A shocking incident has sent ripples through Bengaluru’s Navarathna Agrahara, where a seemingly minor disagreement over food during the holy Chhath Puja culminated in a brutal murder. Chikkajala police have swiftly apprehended the accused labourer, who has since confessed to the heinous crime.
The tragedy unfolded at an under-construction building, the temporary residence for 48-year-old Shambu Thanti, originally from Bihar, and his co-worker, Radheshyam Chauhan. Shambu Thanti was observing the revered week-long Chhath Puja, a Hindu festival where devotees strictly abstain from non-vegetarian food. During this sacred period, he voiced strong objections to Radheshyam preparing non-vegetarian meals.
Tensions reached a boiling point on Sunday night, leading to a fierce argument between the two. Their senior, Surendra Pandita, intervened in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, promising to resolve their differences the following day. However, peace was tragically short-lived.
On Monday, Pandita’s calls to Shambu Thanti went unanswered, prompting him to send other workers to check on him. They discovered a horrifying scene: Thanti lay dead in a pool of blood, and Radheshyam was nowhere to be found. Shortly thereafter, Radheshyam contacted a fellow worker, making a chilling confession. He admitted that the persistent arguments and perceived harassment from Shambu Thanti regarding the non-vegetarian food had driven him to a violent rage, leading him to fatally assault Thanti while he slept, even strangling him to ensure his death.
The Chikkajala police immediately registered a murder case and have successfully taken Radheshyam into custody, marking a grim conclusion to a dispute that escalated into an unforgivable act.