15 October,2016 08:40 AM IST | | Santosh Wagh
Bodyguard of former Tilak Nagar gangster Farid Tanasha, who is also a prime witness in his murder case, was attacked by a group at Shivaji Nagar in Govandi along with a police constable, who was with him
Chembur gangster and close aide of Chhota Rajan, Farid Tanasha (inset) was killed in his Tilak Nagar home in 2010. 11 people are accused of his murder. File pics
The bodyguard of former Tilak Nagar gangster Farid Tanasha, who is also a prime witness in his murder case, was attacked by a group at Shivaji Nagar in Govandi yesterday morning. When a police constable deputed for his protection intervened, he was brutally assaulted as well.
The bodyguard says he fears for his life and that people associated with Zaffar Razi Aslam Khan alias Abbas, an arrested accused attacked him. The Shivaji Nagar police have registered a case of assault in the matter and are trying to trace the accused.
'Saaman nikalo'
The incident occurred at around 11 am when the witness, who owns a gas agency, was on his way to work in a tempo. "Suddenly, three people arrived on a bike from nowhere and blocked our way. I sensed something amiss. Very soon, I saw one of them removing a chopper," said the witness.
He added, "Thankfully, my presence of my mind helped. I yelled saaman nikalo (take out the weapon) while pointing toward my police bodyguard, who was standing nearby."
Attacked constable
According to the witness, the men realized that even the bodyguard and the cop were armed and tried to run away from the spot. While fleeing, the suspects attacked the police constable, Mangesh Raorane, when he tried to stop them. They kicked and punched him. To save himself Raorane even flashed his identity card, but the accused who feared getting trapped, continued to thrash him, leaving Raorane injured.
He was rushed to Shatabdi Hospital and was then taken to Rajawadi, where doctors discharged him after first aid.
"The assailants realised that they were beating up a cop and eventually escaped from the melee. I called up the police control room and a team from the local police station. Crime Branch officials who are investigating the murder of Farid Tanasha arrived at the spot," the witness added.
Case registered
The Shivaji Nagar police have registered the case under Sections 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty) of the Indian Penal Code.
DCP says
Speaking to mid-day, Shahi Umap, DCP of Zone VI said, "The incident occurred at around 11.15 am, when Farid's bodyguard had left from his gas agency with a tempo and cylinder in it. While he was on his way, he had an argument with three men on a bike. The argument led to a fight, and the three men started beating the bodyguard and one person with him and later, fled."
"Farid's bodyguard came to the police station after that and filed the complaint. We have identified the three accused who were on the bike and we will arrest them soon. This fight had no connection with the case which is on trial currently at Sessions court," he added.
