Ahmedabad police have arrested four individuals in connection with the violent mob attack on police personnel and residents in the Rakhial and Bapunagar areas. The suspects, identified as Sameer alias Chikna Shaikh, Fazal Shaikh, Altaf alias Junam Shaikh and Mehfuz Miya, were apprehended during a series of coordinated raids based on intelligence inputs.
However, two key accused, Anil Rajput and Sarwar alias Kadva, remain absconding.
The unrest began near Noor Mahal Hotel in Rakhial, where an armed group attacked local photographer Saddamuddin Sheikh and his cousin Sohail, demanding information about Saddamuddin’s brother Salman, a convict who absconded after jumping parole. The attackers, wielding swords, pursued the duo, causing panic in the area.
Later that night, the violence escalated near Banagar Char Rasta in Bapunagar. Police personnel responding to an alert were ambushed by a mob. The attackers vandalised a police vehicle, shattering its windshield, and looted Rs 5,000 in cash.
Multiple FIRs were lodged at Rakhial and Bapunagar police stations, with charges including unlawful assembly, attempted murder, criminal intimidation, and damage to public property under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Assistant Head Constable Khumansingh, part of the attacked police team, recounted the harrowing experience: “We faced relentless attacks with swords and knives. Despite the situation, we managed to retreat and call for reinforcements.”
ACP R D Ojha, of H Division, stated, “The arrest of these four individuals marks progress in the case. Teams are actively searching for the remaining accused, Anil Rajput and Sarwar alias Kadva. We are confident they will be brought to justice soon.”
To prevent further disturbances, additional police patrols have been deployed in the affected areas. Investigations are ongoing to determine the mob’s motives and its potential links to local criminal networks.
During the crime reconstruction process involving the accused, a mob of 500 to 600 people gathered outside the ACP (H Division) office. As tensions escalated, additional police reinforcements were summoned to manage the crowd and ease the traffic congestion caused by the gathering.
Senior police officials, including the in-charge DCP of Zone 6, both ACPs and the Crime Branch, worked swiftly to disperse the crowd. After the reconstruction was completed, the Crime Branch team left the location with the accused.
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