Jammu, Sept 18: A birthday celebration turned fatal in Jammu after a dispute allegedly broke out over cake being smeared on the birthday boy’s face, with police saying a 21-year-old man was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon and later declared dead at hospital.
The deceased was identified as Pawan Nair alias “Sameer”. Police said they have arrested the alleged attacker, Neeraj alias “Anshu”, and his brother Rishu in connection with the incident.
According to a police spokesperson, the incident took place around 9 pm on Thursday when Police Post Government Medical College Jammu informed Police Station Janipur that an injured man had been brought to GMC Jammu by his friends.
“During the cutting of the cake, the deceased Nair smeared cake on the face of Neeraj, triggering a verbal duel,” the spokesperson said.
He said the two were subsequently pacified by their friends, but Neeraj allegedly became enraged and attacked Nair with a ‘khokhri’ that he was carrying.
“Neeraj got enraged, took out a ‘khokhri’ which he was carrying and attacked Nair on his neck, causing grievous injury,” the spokesperson said.
Nair was immediately shifted to GMC Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead, police said.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Neeraj had been celebrating his birthday at a roadside location near Lower Roop Nagar, where Nair and their friends John Sotra, Gaurav Singh and Sugandh Bhatti were present. Neeraj was accompanied by his brother Rishu, police said.
Following the incident, a police team from Police Station Janipur reached GMC Jammu and initiated an investigation.
Police have registered a murder case and arrested Neeraj and Rishu in connection with the incident.
The spokesperson said police were also working to recover the weapon allegedly used in the attack, while further investigation is underway.
The body has been shifted to the GMC mortuary for post-mortem examination, police said.
