Four arrested in Rakhial-Bapunagar mob attack case, two at large

Ahmedabad police arrested four accused involved in the violent mob attack on police personnel and residents in the Rakhial and Bapunagar areas. 

The arrested suspects have been identified as Sameer alias Chikna Shaikh, Fazal Shaikh, Altaf alias Junam Shaikh, and Mehfuz Miya.  

The police confirmed that all four were apprehended during a series of coordinated raids based on intelligence inputs. However, two key accused, Anil Rajput and Sarwar alias Kadva, remain absconding. Efforts are underway to locate and arrest them.  

Hooliganism on Ahmedabad roads

The chaos began near Noor Mahal Hotel in Rakhial, where an armed group attacked a local photographer, Saddamuddin Sheikh, and his cousin Sohail, demanding information about Saddamuddin’s brother Salman, a convict who absconded after jumping parole. The attackers pursued the duo with swords, creating panic in the locality.  

Later that night, the violence escalated near Banagar Char Rasta in Bapunagar when police personnel responding to a control room alert were ambushed. The mob vandalized the police vehicle, breaking its windshield and looting ₹5,000 in cash.  

Police action  

Senior officials confirmed that multiple FIRs were lodged at Rakhial and Bapunagar police stations. Charges include unlawful assembly, attempted murder, criminal intimidation, and damage to public property under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.  

Assistant Head Constable Khumansingh, who was part of the attacked police team, stated, “We faced relentless attacks with swords and knives. Despite the situation, we managed to retreat and call for reinforcements.”  

Current status  

R D Ojha, ACP 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.”  

Additional police patrols have been deployed in the affected areas to prevent further disturbances. Investigations are ongoing to uncover more details about the mob’s motive and its links to local criminal networks.  

Residents have expressed relief at the arrests but called for stricter law enforcement to prevent such incidents in the future. 

Crime reconstruction chaos: Hundreds gather outside ACP office

A mob of nearly 500 to 600 people gathered outside the ACP (H Division) office during the crime reconstruction process involving the accused. As the crowd grew restless and the situation began to spiral out of control, additional police reinforcements were summoned to maintain order.  

The in-charge DCP of Zone 6, both ACPs, the Crime Branch, and other senior police officials promptly arrived at the scene. They worked to disperse the crowd and manage the ensuing traffic jam caused by the large gathering.  

Once the crime reconstruction was completed, the Crime Branch team swiftly left the location with the accused. The police then successfully cleared the area and restored normalcy.