A Night of Celebration Turns Deadly in Panvel as Friends' Gathering Escalates to Fatal Stabbing

NAVI MUMBAI: What started as a friendly gathering among five friends in Panvel took a tragic turn on Sunday evening when an argument spiraled out of control, leading to the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Vijay Kalse. The incident occurred in Usarli village, Panvel Taluka, where the group had come together to party at the residence of one of the friends.

The five friends, identified as Vijay Kalse, Ravi Mewati (30), Rahul Mewati (28), Tarun Valmiki (28), and another unidentified individual, were all under the influence of alcohol when tensions flared between Kalse and Ravi Mewati. According to police reports, the argument escalated when Kalse hit Mewati, provoking Mewati to retaliate violently by stabbing Kalse in the chest with a knife.

Panic and Flight After the Fatal Incident

After Kalse collapsed from the stab wound, the panicked friends attempted to save him by rushing him to the Panvel sub-district hospital. They told the ambulance driver that Kalse had fallen unconscious, but upon arrival, the doctors declared him dead. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the four friends fled the scene, leaving the hospital staff to alert the authorities.

The police investigation quickly began, with the ambulance driver serving as the primary complainant in the case. He provided crucial information, including the location from where he picked up the group and details about their interactions during the journey. The police also accessed call data records to trace the movements of the accused.

Swift Arrest, Ongoing Search for Accomplices

The investigation led the police to locate Ravi Mewati, the primary suspect, who was hiding at a relative's residence in Kamothe. Mewati was promptly arrested, but the hunt continues for the remaining three individuals involved in the incident. A case has been registered under sections related to murder and joint criminal liability of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, holding all four accountable for the tragic outcome of their reckless actions.

A Somber Reminder of the Dangers of Alcohol-Fueled Violence

This incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly a night of celebration can turn into a nightmare when tempers flare and alcohol is involved. The police are continuing their investigation to bring the remaining suspects to justice and provide closure to the grieving family of Vijay Kalse.