Ujjain dhaba clash kills two men in Karni Sena rivalry, MP police probe
Synopsis
A long-running factional rivalry allegedly linked to the Karni Sena exploded into lethal violence at a roadside dhaba in Ujjain past midnight, leaving two men dead — one found in bushes near the scene. With three suspects absconding and a pre-attack warning call on record, police are now racing to establish whether the assault was coordinated.
Key Takeaways
Two men killed — Rahul Darbar alias Vijay Pratap, 42 , and Jitendra Pawar, 35 — in a midnight clash at Lucky Darbar Dhaba , Ujjain, on 27 August .
Around 12 to 15 armed men allegedly arrived and attacked the rival group with knives and swords .
A warning call was made to Rahul's family around 11 pm , before the attack escalated.
Suspect Shakti Singh is hospitalised; Arpit , Mohan Bana , and Sonu Banjara are absconding.
Chimanganj Police are investigating the old rivalry, immediate trigger, and individual roles of all accused.
Two men were killed in a late-night clash at a dhaba in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, after an old rivalry between two groups allegedly linked to the Karni Sena turned violent, police confirmed on Thursday, 27 August. The attack, which involved knives and swords, left multiple people injured and three suspects absconding.
How the Violence Unfolded
The clash broke out around midnight on Wednesday at Lucky Darbar Dhaba in the Kanipura area of Ujjain. According to police, an argument between two sides escalated after one group allegedly summoned reinforcements — approximately 12 to 15 armed men who arrived at the scene and attacked members of the rival group with knives and swords.
The sequence of events, as reconstructed from statements of the injured and witnesses, began earlier that evening. Rahul Darbar alias Vijay Pratap, 42, a resident of Neemanwasa, and one Shakti Singh had gone to the dhaba after settling a previous dispute involving a child. An argument reportedly broke out at the venue, during which Shakti allegedly slapped Rahul, who retaliated by striking him on the head with a spoon.
Another injured man, Shravan, told police the quarrel was initially brought under control, but Shakti allegedly later called Sonu Banjara and summoned several associates — setting off the larger attack.
The Two Victims
The dead have been identified as Rahul Darbar alias Vijay Pratap, 42, of Neemanwasa, and Jitendra Pawar, 35, who operated the dhaba and lived in Undasa. Rahul sustained serious injuries in the attack and was rushed to a private hospital, where he died during treatment. Jitendra's body was recovered from bushes a short distance from the dhaba, police said.
Warning Call Before the Attack
Rahul's maternal uncle, Hemant Singh Chauhan, told police that Rahul's younger brother had received a call from Shakti Singh around 11 pm, warning him to 'save your brother if you can.' Family members subsequently rushed to the dhaba and found Rahul injured. The forewarning suggests the attack may have been premeditated, though police have not yet formally stated this.
Suspects and Investigation
Shakti Singh sustained injuries in the clash and is currently undergoing treatment. Three suspects — Arpit, Mohan Bana, and Sonu Banjara — are reportedly absconding. The Chimanganj Police Station is investigating the alleged old rivalry, the immediate trigger, and the individual roles of all those involved.
Chimanganj SHO Vivek Kanodia said, 'We are investigating all aspects of the incident, including the motive and the role of each accused, and appropriate action will be taken on the basis of the evidence.' This incident adds to a pattern of violent group clashes in Madhya Pradesh linked to factional disputes within fringe outfits, and authorities are expected to examine whether organisational affiliations played a direct role in mobilising the attackers.
Point of View
Not spontaneity. The fact that three suspects are already absconding suggests the attackers anticipated legal consequences and had an exit plan. Madhya Pradesh police will need to move quickly to determine whether the Karni Sena affiliation was incidental or operational — because the answer shapes both the charge-sheet and the political response.
NationPress
27 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the two men killed in the Ujjain dhaba clash?
The two victims were Rahul Darbar alias Vijay Pratap, 42, a resident of Neemanwasa, and Jitendra Pawar, 35, who operated Lucky Darbar Dhaba in Kanipura, Ujjain. Rahul died at a private hospital after sustaining serious injuries, while Jitendra's body was found in bushes near the dhaba.
What triggered the violence at Lucky Darbar Dhaba in Ujjain?
According to police, an argument at the dhaba between two groups with an old rivalry allegedly linked to the Karni Sena escalated after one side called for reinforcements. Around 12 to 15 armed men reportedly arrived and attacked the rival group with knives and swords around midnight on 27 August.
Who are the suspects in the Ujjain dhaba murder case?
Shakti Singh, who allegedly initiated the confrontation and summoned associates, is currently hospitalised with injuries. Three others — Arpit, Mohan Bana, and Sonu Banjara — are reportedly absconding and are being sought by the Chimanganj Police.
What is the Karni Sena's alleged connection to the Ujjain clash?
Police say the two groups involved in the clash had an old rivalry and were allegedly linked to the Karni Sena. The exact nature of that organisational connection is part of the ongoing investigation; authorities have not yet formally confirmed whether the outfit played a direct role in mobilising the attackers.
What is the current status of the police investigation?
The Chimanganj Police Station is investigating the motive, the sequence of events, and the individual roles of all accused. SHO Vivek Kanodia has stated that appropriate action will be taken based on evidence gathered from witnesses and the injured.
