AIMIM Corporator and Family Members Face Attempted Murder Charges in Maharashtra
In a significant development in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the city police have formally registered a First Information Report (FIR) against an AIMIM corporator and ten of his family members on charges of attempted murder. The case stems from a violent attack on Rafat Yaar Khan, an office-bearer of the Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra (ISLAM), which occurred in the Juna Bazar area on Thursday evening.
Details of the Violent Assault
According to police reports, Rafat Yaar Khan was riding a moped with his associate and fellow office-bearer Abul Hasan Hashmi when they were allegedly intercepted by a group of suspects. The attackers, armed with iron rods and sticks, reportedly assaulted Rafat for several minutes in a busy part of the old city before fleeing the scene. The assault left Rafat with serious head injuries and torn clothing.
Rafat was promptly rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he is currently receiving treatment. Hospital officials have confirmed that his condition is now stable and he is recuperating under medical supervision.
Police Investigation and FIR Registration
The City Chowk police registered the FIR in the early hours of Friday, charging all eleven accused individuals with attempted murder, rioting, and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The named accused include AIMIM corporator Meraj Khan and his brother Minhaj Khan.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (zone-I) Pankaj Atulkar has assured that the police will conduct a fair and thorough investigation. "We will ensure a fair probe. Appropriate action will be taken against those at fault," stated DCP Atulkar. Investigating officer Manisha Hiwrale added, "We are probing all angles, including political rivalry. One minor was detained from the spot and efforts are on to nab the remaining suspects."
Background of Political Rivalry
Police sources indicate that the attack is suspected to be a fallout from an earlier clash between the two groups. On March 20, Rafat Yaar Khan and some of his associates were booked by Kranti Chowk police for allegedly assaulting Minhaj Khan at Sillekhana crossroads. In that incident, Minhaj sustained considerable injuries, including stitches inside his mouth.
Adding to the political context, Rafat Yaar Khan and Abul Hasan Hashmi are former AIMIM office-bearers who rebelled against the party after being denied tickets in the recently concluded municipal corporation elections. The duo contested the elections independently but ultimately lost.
Accused Claims of False Implication
AIMIM corporator Meraj Khan, who has been named as an accused in the FIR, has strongly denied the allegations. He claims that at least seven of the eleven individuals named in the FIR were not present at the location when the incident occurred. "We are being framed in the false case and demand an in-depth probe so that the facts come out," asserted Meraj Khan.
The police investigation continues as authorities work to apprehend the remaining suspects and uncover the full circumstances surrounding this violent incident in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
