Actor Priyanshu Ravi Singh Chhetri, known to audiences as Babu Chhetri from the 2022 Hindi film Jhund, has been found dead in Nagpur following what police described as a violent altercation with a friend. He was 21.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday in the Jaripatka area of Nagpur. Police have arrested a 20-year-old man, identified as Dhruv Lal Bahadur Sahu, in connection with the case. Investigators believe the two had been drinking together when an argument broke out.
“After midnight on Tuesday, Sahu and Chhetri travelled by motorcycle to an abandoned house in the Jaripatka area for a drinking session,” a police official told local media. “Under the influence of alcohol, Chhetri allegedly threatened Sahu during an argument before falling asleep. Fearing harm, Sahu allegedly tied Chhetri with wires and attacked him with a sharp object.”
Around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, local residents reportedly found Chhetri lying unconscious and severely injured, tied with plastic wires. He was taken to Mayo Hospital, where doctors declared him dead during treatment. Police have since registered a case of murder and taken Sahu into custody.
Both men, authorities said, were known to each other and had a history of minor criminal cases involving theft and assault. “We have registered a case of murder and arrested Sahu. Further investigation is underway,” a police spokesperson said.
Chhetri, a resident of the Lumbini Nagar area in Nagpur, rose to prominence after appearing in Jhund, directed by Nagraj Manjule and starring Amitabh Bachchan. The biographical sports drama was based on the life of Vijay Barse, the founder of the NGO Slum Soccer, and chronicled how a retired sports teacher forms a football team with underprivileged youth.
Chhetri’s portrayal of one of the young players from the slums earned him local acclaim and recognition within Nagpur’s acting community.
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the killing and are awaiting forensic reports.
