Auto-rickshaw Driver in Critical State After Water Dispute Attack

Palghar, Aug 11 (PTI): A 43-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was left in a critical condition after being attacked by two couples over a water-sharing dispute in Maharashtra's Palghar district, according to police reports on Monday.

The altercation unfolded on Friday morning in the Alkapuri locality of the Nalla Sopara area. The driver's objection to drawing water rapidly from a public tap led to the incident.

An official from the Achole police station explained that the municipal body installed the public water tap opposite the victim's residence for neighborhood usage, dispensing water every alternate day between 4 am and 8 am.

On Friday, the two couples, who are neighbors, began using an electric motor to collect water from the communal source. The victim expressed concerns that such activities could potentially leave others without access to water, prompting him to confront the accused parties.

This confrontation allegedly enraged the couples, who then attacked the victim using a paver block found on the street and iron rods, as per the police statement.

"The attack seriously injured the victim, leading neighbors to rush him to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care," the officer stated.

A legal case has been filed against the four implicated individuals. They face charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation, as police continue their investigation.

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