Jalgaon (Maharashtra), Aug 14 — A 20-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death in Jalgaon district after being spotted speaking to a girl, with police suspecting the attack was driven by old enmity. Four men have been arrested, and a hunt is on for the prime accused.

The victim, identified as Suleiman Khan, a resident of Betawad Khurd village, had been preparing for the police recruitment exam. On Monday, Khan travelled to Jamner to fill out the exam application form. While in a café, he was seen chatting with a girl, according to police.

Moments later, a group of ten men confronted him. The confrontation quickly turned violent, with the men allegedly assaulting Khan before forcing him to accompany them to his native village.

Attack at Village Bus Stand
At the Betawad Khurd bus stand, the attackers reportedly assaulted Khan with sticks and iron rods. When his family members tried to intervene, they too were beaten, police said. Khan sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Police Action and Arrests
Following the incident, Jamner police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including charges of kidnapping, rioting, and murder. Four suspects were arrested and produced before a local court, which remanded them in police custody.

“The motive appears to be linked to a previous enmity between two groups,” a senior police official said. “We are investigating from multiple angles, and efforts are on to track down the mastermind who orchestrated the attack.”

Tension in the Area
News of Khan’s death triggered unrest in Jamner, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.

On Monday night, Khan’s relatives and several villagers gathered outside the Jamner police station, demanding swift and strict action against all those involved. Police reassured the crowd that all culprits would be brought to justice.

Ongoing Probe
Investigators are now examining whether the altercation in the café was a trigger or merely a pretext for the attack. “We are collecting CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to build a strong case,” the official added.

Khan’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community, especially as he was working towards joining the police force himself. Locals described him as a determined young man with a clean image.

The arrests mark the first step in the investigation, but police say the case is far from over. The search for six other suspects, including the alleged mastermind, is ongoing. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.