Violence strikes Bhandup: History-sheeter stabbed to death

Banners paying tribute to Suraj Mehra, the deceased, have cropped up across Bhandup. Pics/ Rajesh Gupta

Violence has marred Bhandup again as a 27-year-old history-sheeter was attacked and stabbed to death by swords and knives in the wee hours of Monday. The deceased, Suraj Mehra alias Suraj Nepali, was out on bail since the past couple of years and was running a Chinese food centre. Bhandup police arrested two persons and are trying to track down three others accused in the case.

Recently, Bhandup had become a talking point after traders raised grievances regarding anti-social elements. Police increased surveillance in the area to keep a tab on the criminals, but fights between criminal groups are still on. The incident is also reminiscent of 2018 when 12 murders took place in Bhandup within eight months.

The recent incident took place around 2.30 am on Monday when Mehra was attacked by five people near Rawate Bridge in Ram Nagar, while returning home with a friend. "He was caught unawares by the assailants. They attacked him and fled from the spot within five minutes," said an officer from Bhandup police station. Mehra's friend managed to escape and alerted the police. Cops took Mehra to MT Agarwal Hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. A case of murder was registered against unknown people.

"We formed teams to investigate the matter and managed to nab two attackers within 24 hours," said senior inspector Shyam Shinde. "We have identified the remaining attackers and will arrest them soon," he added.

Mehra was arrested by Bhandup Police for attempt to murder in 2018 and was sent to jail. "Since he was released from jail, he has not committed any crime. The accused identified in this murder do not have any enmity with him. We are trying to find out the motive behind the assault," said another police officer. Meanwhile, banners paying tribute to Mehra have come up across Bhandup.

Bhandup police served externment notice to 18 criminals this year so far. The accused include criminals with records of physical assault, murder, attempt to murder. One accused was also arrested under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activity (MPDA) Act.