MEERUT, Sept. 8 -- A 24-year-old salesman was allegedly stabbed to death by a group of 10-12 intoxicated men during a Ganesh Visarjan procession near the Ganga canal in Sardhana, Meerut, late Saturday night, police said.

The victim, identified as Bobby Gautam of Takiyakait Mohalla, worked at a local clothing showroom. Described by friends as helpful and responsible, he was trying to maintain order during the procession organised by his close friend Aman Gupta when the incident occurred.

Police said personal enmity appeared to be the motive. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Ashutosh Kumar named the prime suspects as Shekhar, son of Virendra, and Abhishek, son of Kallu -- both from Begmabad village. "The dispute seems to have arisen ...