Violence shattered the air of celebration in Bhothidih village, Dhamtari district, when a minor spat over wedding band music culminated in the gruesome murder of Chandan Nishad. Four others were stabbed in the frenzied attack during a Chauthiya procession, prompting the arrest of seven, including minors.
The incident occurred Saturday evening as the bride’s entourage from Malgaon, Gariaband, reached the groom’s village for the spirited ritual. Participants grooved to the band’s rhythms, heading procession-style to the wedding venue.
Suddenly, Chandan Nishad—brother from the groom’s side—and friends voiced displeasure with the tunes. The objection sparked a fierce verbal clash with the bandwallahs. In a flash, knives were drawn, transforming the street into a battlefield.
Chandan was struck down lethally, while rescuer Tarun Dhruv and three companions endured deep cuts. Victims received immediate medical attention at Magarlod’s facility.
Alerted by the commotion, police surged to the spot, restoring order and seizing vital CCTV evidence depicting the knife frenzy.
A complaint from Tetku Ram Nishad led to the roundup of Toran Chakradhari, Abhishek Patel, Hinesh Yadav, Tamraj Kavar, Gulab Diwan, plus two boys under 18, now under juvenile oversight. Dhamtari Superintendent Shailendra Pandey affirmed BNS sections slapped on them, followed by jail dispatch.
This blood-soaked episode at a wedding rite highlights the thin line between festivity and fury. With grief enveloping Bhothidih, authorities vow thorough inquiry to prevent future outbreaks, urging communities to prioritize peace over pride.