Pune Friendship Turns Fatal: Minor Dispute Leads to Cold-Blooded Stabbing in Kothrud

By Ronald Kapper
Published: July 6, 2025

PUNE, MAHARASHTRA — In a chilling reminder of how everyday conflicts can spiral into deadly violence, a seemingly minor altercation between two friends turned into a gruesome murder in Pune’s upscale Kothrud area late Friday night. The suspect, 26-year-old Ravindra Salunkhe, has been arrested for fatally stabbing his long-time friend Nikhil Jagtap, 25, following a verbal spat that spiraled out of control.

The Pune City Police are investigating the case as a premeditated murder, even though initial reports suggest the incident stemmed from a spur-of-the-moment fight.

Timeline of the Incident

According to Pune Police sources, the two men had been drinking at a local residence when a heated exchange escalated around 11:30 PM. Eye-witnesses said the argument, reportedly over a personal matter involving a financial dispute, quickly got out of hand. In a sudden burst of rage, Salunkhe allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Jagtap multiple times in the chest and abdomen.

Local residents, alerted by loud screams, rushed to the scene and found Jagtap bleeding heavily. He was taken to Sancheti Hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

“We received a call from the neighbors at 11:45 PM. Our team arrived within minutes and found the accused at the spot. He did not resist arrest,” said Senior Inspector Jayant Patil, Kothrud Police Station.

Victim and Accused: A Long History of Friendship

The tragedy is compounded by the fact that both men had known each other for nearly a decade. They were childhood friends from Warje, both originally from modest backgrounds. Jagtap worked as a technician at a mobile phone service center, while Salunkhe had recently lost his job and was reportedly under financial stress.

According to their mutual acquaintances, the two had frequent arguments in recent months, often fueled by alcohol and Salunkhe’s deteriorating mental health.

“We never thought he could do something like this. They used to fight, but it was always verbal,” said Rahul Pawar, a friend who had known both since school.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The Kothrud Police have registered a case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder. Salunkhe was produced in court on Saturday and has been remanded to police custody for seven days for further interrogation.

Senior officials confirmed that they are waiting for forensic reports, including the bloodied knife recovered from the scene. Police are also examining CCTV footage from nearby buildings to verify the timeline and rule out the involvement of any third parties.

A copy of the First Information Report (FIR) can be found here.

Crime and Mental Health Concerns Rise in Urban Maharashtra

The incident has once again raised questions about the rising levels of interpersonal violence in Indian cities, especially involving young men from lower- and middle-income backgrounds. Experts cite increased financial stress, substance abuse, and untreated mental health issues as recurring factors.

According to NCRB data, Pune recorded a 14% increase in murder cases in 2024 compared to the previous year, with nearly 22% involving known acquaintances or friends of the victims.

“The line between emotional outburst and lethal violence is getting thinner. Our young population is under pressure and often lacks emotional regulation or support systems,” said Dr. Harshada Deshmukh, a clinical psychologist and faculty at Symbiosis Institute of Psychology and HRD.

Public Reaction and Community Tension

The gruesome killing has sent shockwaves across the Kothrud and Warje neighborhoods, where both families reside. Community leaders held a peace vigil on Saturday evening near Karve Nagar junction, calling for stricter enforcement of laws and awareness about anger management.

Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol expressed concern and emphasized the need for intervention programs.

“Such senseless violence is a wake-up call. We must do more in schools, workplaces, and communities to teach young adults about emotional conflict resolution,” he stated in a press release shared by The Times of India.

Conclusion: A Harrowing Reminder

What began as an ordinary Friday evening among friends ended in a horrific act of bloodshed that has devastated two families. The case is not just a murder—it is a reflection of the psychosocial instability that urban India must urgently address.

The city waits anxiously as police continue their investigation, and the courts prepare for what is expected to be a closely watched trial.