Akola, Maharashtra, Aug 12 (UNI) The murder of a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) worker and incidents of stabbing and looting in the heart of the city have sent shock waves here.

Balya Thakur (25) was attacked with an axe last night, at around 1930 hours and later lynched to death with a huge stone by five brothers, near the Sambhav Apartments, He was rushed to the general hospital in a precarious condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries, police said.

The blood-stained axe was seized from the house of Sonal Pathak in Ratanlal plot locality of the city last night during a search-operation by police.

Two days ago, a quarrel had taken place between the deceased and the Mirjamle brothers over a trivial issue which resulted in the death of Balya Thakur last night, sources said.

A case of murder has been registered against the five brothers.

Sonal Pathak, has been arrested, police said.

In other incidents reported yesterday, two youth and a woman were stabbed while two others --Abhijit Bhilode and Santosh Dhore were looted in the city area. Mobile and cash-snatching incidents were also reported in some places.

A woman on her way to recover a land loan was also stabbed, police added.

Three murders were reported in the city during the past week.

UNI