Mumbai Crime: Bandra residents attacked with swords and iron rods

Two of those injured in the attack

In an incident that has terrorised locals, six residents of Bandra West were attacked with swords, iron rods and other sharp edged objects by around 20 people on Monday night. The Bandra police on Wednesday arrested 19 people involved in the attack, in a case of attempt to murder and rioting. According to Bandra police, the incident occurred because of a previous enmity and the wrong people were targetted. Local residents and a BJP leader have met senior police officers demanding a thorough probe in the matter.

‘They had a plan'

According to the complainant, Irshad Shaikh, on Monday at around 10:30 pm, he and some other residents of JJ colony, Bandra (W) got together near the lalmitti bridge to talk. "While we were there, some 20-25 people came on motorcycles and started to abuse us. Before we could do something, we were attacked with swords, glass bottles and iron rods. One of them shouted ‘maro sabko!' We tried to escape but they attacked us. They must have had a plan because they were not listening to us," Shaikh told the police in his complaint.

Asif Bhamla, BJP spokesperson and president of Bhamla Foundation, and some local residents met the police after the attack

According to the FIR, Shaikh was injured on his head and back. Others received serious injuries and were taken to Bhabha Hospital. Some of them were discharged after primary medication and two were kept under observation. While all the injured have been discharged, one is still under observation. "A total of 19 people have been arrested in the case under various sections of IPC which include attempt to murder. Further investigation is underway," said Nikhil Kapse, senior PI Bandra police station. Those injured include Shaikh, Arif Shaikh, Rafiq Qureshi, Usman Shaikh, Riyaz Shaikh and Ajaz Sayyed. "The investigation has revealed that the attackers came searching for some other people due to previous enmity but attacked these people," a police officer said.

‘Horrifying incident'

Locals terrorised by the attack met senior officers of the Mumbai police and demanded a thorough probe as they suspect the role of the builder lobby. "It was horrifying that such an incident took place in an area like Bandra. Locals contacted me and I and the families of the injured met senior police officers and demanded a thorough probe," said Asif Bhamla, BJP spokesperson and president of Bhamla Foundation.