Woman stabbed to death by co-worker after workplace argument, CCTV captures attack

 

By Sagaya Fernando | August 20, 2026

Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA: A 20-year-old woman working at a bar and restaurant in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur was allegedly stabbed to death by a male co-worker following a workplace argument, with CCTV footage from the establishment capturing the attack and the accused apparently returning to work moments later.

The victim, identified as Muskan Chaudhary, worked as a bartender at Mahfil Bar and Restaurant near Deendayal Chowk under the Gohalpur police station limits. The accused, Pawan Verma, worked as a cook at the same establishment.

The incident took place on the evening of August 14.

According to police, Muskan and Pawan initially got into an argument over a work-related issue at around 4.30 pm. Other employees reportedly intervened and managed to calm the situation. However, the dispute allegedly resumed later inside the restaurant’s kitchen.

CCTV footage recovered during the investigation reportedly shows Muskan and Pawan working in the kitchen before another argument breaks out between them.

During the confrontation, Pawan allegedly picked up a kitchen knife and attacked Muskan, stabbing her four times in the abdomen.

The footage also captures an employee entering the kitchen shortly after the attack. On seeing Muskan injured, the employee appears alarmed and leaves the area.

What happened immediately afterwards has drawn particular attention after the CCTV clip surfaced. Despite Muskan lying seriously injured nearby, Pawan allegedly picked up a cooking pan and resumed his work in the kitchen.

The footage reportedly shows him continuing to work for around 40 to 50 seconds while Muskan remained on the floor.

Other restaurant employees subsequently arrived, lifted the injured woman and rushed her to a hospital. Muskan, however, succumbed to her injuries.

Police launched a search for Pawan following the killing and subsequently arrested him. He has been booked for murder and sent to jail.

Additional Superintendent of Police Ayush Jakhar said police had registered a murder case against the accused. Investigators also conducted a panchnama and sent Muskan’s body for post-mortem examination.

Police are examining the CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the exact circumstances that triggered the dispute and led to the fatal attack. Further investigation is underway.