Navi Mumbai: A dispute over unpaid contributions for a party turned fatal in Belpada, Kharghar, where 23-year-old Jayesh Waghe was brutally assaulted by his friend Mannu Sharma, leading to Waghe’s death. The incident occurred near a cricket ground in the Adivasi Wadi area on January 23.
According to police reports, both Jayesh Waghe and Mannu Sharma were residents of Sector-3, Belpada, Kharghar. Waghe worked as a contract labourer in the sewerage department of the Panvel Municipal Corporation, while Sharma was a tempo driver.
The two, along with their friends, frequently hosted chicken and alcohol parties, pooling funds for the same. However, Sharma had a habit of attending these gatherings without contributing financially, which often led to disagreements.
On the night of the incident, Waghe and his friends had organised a party near the cricket ground and contributed funds for it. Sharma, as usual, joined without paying. Frustrated by this repeated behavior, Waghe confronted Sharma, leading to a heated argument and verbal abuse. During the altercation, Waghe reportedly slapped Sharma, angering him.
In retaliation, Sharma attacked Waghe with his fists and a wooden cricket bat, striking him on the chest and abdomen. Waghe sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, he slipped into unconsciousness and passed away on Monday morning.
Following Waghe’s death, the Kharghar police registered a case of murder against Sharma and arrested him. “We have arrested him and further investigations are on,” senior police inspector Deepak Surve from Kharghar police station said.
