Man attacks fellow residents at Maharashtra old-age home, leaves 2 dead, 6 injured

Two people, including a security guard, were killed and six others injured after a man allegedly attacked residents with a support stick at an old-age home in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district on Saturday morning, police said.

The accused, who was also staying at the facility near Vihad, was apprehended and is being questioned, Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police M Sudarshan said.

According to police, the man was allegedly upset over repeated interactions with other residents, who had objected to him dropping food while eating and advised him about his conduct. Investigators suspect that his resentment towards the residents may have triggered the attack.

The accused allegedly used the sharp metal end of a walking stick to attack residents while they were sleeping. He also allegedly assaulted others who tried to intervene or reason with him, police said.

Two victims, including the security guard, suffered severe head injuries and died. Six others were taken to hospital, with one reported to be in serious condition.

A resident who witnessed the assault alerted police, while CCTV footage from the premises is also being examined as part of the investigation.

"The accused has been taken into custody. Prima facie, it appears that he was upset over his interactions with other residents and felt he was being targeted," Sudarshan said.

He added that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and further details would emerge as the probe progressed.