A former worker allegedly stabbed the manager of a housekeeping agency at the Magnet mall in Mahim on Monday over alleged non-payment of salary. The agency, Darekar Housekeeping, provides services to the Magnet mall.

The victim, Vijay Karande (26), was rushed to Sion Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The Mahim police arrested the accused, Kuldeep Yadav, and registered a case of murder against him.

According to police, Yadav was working at Darekar Housekeeping and had quit a few months ago. On Monday afternoon, the accused visited the Magnet mall and allegedly stabbed Karande in abdomen causing him serious injuries.

“After stabbing Karande, Yadav did not attempt to escape. He was handed over to police by other staff members. We are recording statements of a few people who witnessed the incident. During interrogation, Yadav said he was not paid for the month of October. We suspect this to be the motive behind the attack,” said Inspector Ramesh Shirke of the Mahim police station.

Sanjay Raut, a supervisor who was Karande's senior said, “I am not aware of Yadav's employment details. But, according to me, he had quit without serving a notice period.”

According to the staff at the mall, Karande was a resident of Dharavi and came from a middle class family. He was working with Darekar for the past four to five years.

Sunita Karande, victim’s mother, was in a state of shock and refused to comment. Arun Darekar, the owner of Darekar Housekeeping, said, “I have no idea about what conspired between Yadav and Karande as our site managers are responsible for the recruitment and termination of staff.”