BJP worker among accused in daylight murder of Turk community leader in Veraval

Veraval witnessed a high-profile daylight killing on Thursday after Javed Mohammad Tajwani, president of the Turk community, was shot near a petrol pump on the busy Veraval–Talala Road. Police have named BJP worker Farooq Maulana and three others as accused in the case, with preliminary investigations pointing towards political rivalry and transport business disputes as possible motives.

Tajwani, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head during the attack, was initially taken to a private hospital before being referred to Junagadh for advanced treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said the attack, carried out in public view, sparked concern in the city and prompted heightened security deployment in sensitive areas to prevent tensions from escalating.

Attack unfolded on busy road

According to police, Tajwani, a resident of the Somnath Talkies area of Veraval and president of the Turk community, was travelling on his motorcycle along Talala Road when he was intercepted.

Investigators suspect it was a planned attack. Police said four men allegedly stopped Tajwani and opened fire using firearms described as country-made pistols or revolvers. One bullet reportedly struck him in the head, causing him to collapse at the scene.

After the shooting, the accused allegedly fled.

Bystanders and local residents rushed Tajwani to a nearby private hospital. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to Junagadh, where he later died during treatment.

Police name four accused in FIR

Senior police officials and forensic teams reached both the crime scene and the hospital to collect evidence and begin the investigation.

Police have named Farooq Maulana, allegedly associated with the “FM Gang”, along with his son Javed, associate Taliyo Bali and driver Anish Qureshi in the FIR.

Authorities are examining whether the murder stemmed from recent political tensions linked to municipal elections, alongside ongoing family and transport business disputes.

Police also stated that Tajwani had allegedly been involved in multiple criminal cases in the past and had previously contested and won a municipal election.

FIR details alleged confrontation before shooting

According to the complaint, the confrontation allegedly began when Farooq Maulana stopped Tajwani and questioned him over remarks concerning the transport business.

The complaint states that Maulana allegedly asked: “Why are you talking about us in the transport business?”

Tajwani reportedly replied: “Haji Saheb, what have I said about you?”

The FIR further alleges that Farooq’s son Javed, driver Anish and associate Taliyo Bali then became aggressive and said: “He has become too arrogant now, we will have to finish him.”

Police documents further state that the accused allegedly threatened Tajwani during the confrontation.

According to the complaint, Farooq Maulana allegedly pulled out a pistol-like weapon and said, “I will kill you,” before firing at Tajwani from close range.

Security tightened after news spread

News of the shooting spread rapidly across Veraval, drawing large crowds outside the hospital.

Police increased deployment in sensitive areas of the city as a precautionary measure, while investigators continued gathering evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.