From complaints to killing: How Mumbai vada pav stall dispute turned deadly
A long-standing dispute over a food stall in Mumbai's Pagoda area turned deadly when a 37-year-old vada pav vendor was brutally stabbed to death in full view of his family. Police say the attack was an act of revenge following a series of complaints and demolitions involving rival stall operators.
New Delhi: A 37-year-old man was stabbed to death in Mumbai’s Pagoda area following a long-standing dispute that turned deadly. The victim has been identified as Dashrath Chavan, who ran a vada pav stall. He was allegedly attacked by members of a rival family.
Preliminary findings suggest that Chavan was suddenly assaulted and stabbed multiple times with a sharp weapon, sustaining injuries to his chest, stomach, back, head, and face. His wife and children reportedly witnessed the entire incident.
A vengeful act
The Miranda family had allegedly encroached upon government land by dumping mangroves and constructing a shop near the Global Pagoda area. Chavan had earlier filed complaints with the Forest Department and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), following which the Miranda family’s shop was demolished.
In retaliation, the Miranda family reportedly lodged a complaint against Chavan’s stall with the BMC, leading to its demolition a few days ago. Reports state that Chavan had returned to the spot to rebuild his demolished stall when he was attacked by members of the Miranda family.
Complaint registered
Following the incident, Chavan’s wife, Sangeeta Chavan, filed a complaint against rival stall operator Rosebird Miranda, her husband Roland Miranda, their daughter Robina Parera, son-in-law Joby Parera, and their driver Pawan Sharma. She alleged that the accused surrounded Chavan soon after he resumed work at his previously demolished stall.
A case has been registered against the accused, confirmed senior inspector Mahesh Nivatkar of the Gorai Police Station.