Hammered for refusing to carry idol

MUMBAI, September 22: Refusing to accompany devotees to bring the idol of Devi on the eve of Navratri nearly cost a man his life at Ghas Galli in Agripada late on Monday.

At around 10.30 pm, Ravindra Hairbhau Dube 40 was walking towards his home accompanied by his friend Deepak Sonawane 25 on Sane Guruji Marg when another neighbour Ram Pasare 26 asked Dube if he would accompany him to bring the idol of the deity. Dube, however, refused to go along.

Pasare then sneaked behind the duo and assaulted Dube with a hammer causing injuries to his head, stomach, hands and throat. Meanwhile, Sonawane received a flurry of fisticuffs and kicks while trying to stop Pasare. Dube has been admitted to the BYL Nair Hospital. Agripada police are investigating the case.