Three injured in clash between two groups over suspected mobile phone theft in Bapunagar

At least three persons were injured after a violent clash broke out between two groups in Ahmedabad’s Bapunagar area over suspicion surrounding a missing mobile phone, police said. The incident, which involved stone-pelting and alleged knife attacks near Hasanpir Dargah, has led to cross complaints being registered by both sides.

According to police officials, the violence erupted late on May 9 near Hasanpir Dargah in the Bapunagar locality after an argument escalated into a physical confrontation involving sharp weapons, wooden sticks and stones.

Investigators said Mohammad Azam, a resident near Panna Estate in Rakhial, had gone to the area in search of his younger brother’s missing mobile phone. During questioning related to the phone, an altercation allegedly broke out between Azam and Mohammad Yusuf alias 'Takla', who was present near the dargah at the time.

In his complaint lodged at Bapunagar Police Station, Azam alleged that Yusuf became aggressive during the argument, abused him and pushed him to the ground before allegedly attacking him with a knife. Azam claimed he suffered injuries to his left shoulder, while his younger brother also sustained knife injuries to his hand and fingers when he intervened to rescue him.

Azam further alleged that Yusuf threatened to kill both brothers before fleeing the spot. The injured were later shifted to hospital for treatment.

However, Yusuf also lodged a counter-complaint with police, claiming that he had been assaulted first. According to Yusuf, he was standing near the dargah with his son when Azam and his brother confronted him over the missing mobile phone and initiated a verbal altercation.

Yusuf alleged that the rival group attacked him using wooden sticks and stones, causing injuries to his head. He claimed he required stitches after being taken to Civil Hospital for treatment.

Police said both complaints are being investigated and further legal action will be initiated based on medical reports, witness statements and forensic evidence collected from the scene.

Meanwhile, another injured person identified as Mohammad Shajan Qureshi, who was reportedly caught in the violence, alleged that he had been attacked by multiple persons, including Ali, Rehan, Aman and Hasnain, near his workplace.

Qureshi, who resides in Noorbhai Dhobi Chali in Gomtipur and works at a water supply unit, claimed that despite apologising during the confrontation, he was allegedly assaulted with a knife by one of the accused, resulting in severe injuries to his arm.

His hand suffered deep injuries. Three nerves were cut, two bones fractured and doctors had to insert a metal rod.

Qureshi further alleged that despite filing a complaint, no concrete police action had been taken against the accused. He claimed he continued to receive threats and had been unable to leave his house after being discharged from hospital due to fear for his safety.