Police in Bhopal have apprehended all seven individuals involved in the attack on a Muslim youth that led to communal unrest in the Old City area. Assistant Police Commissioner Govindpura Aditi B. Saxena confirmed the arrest of the seven accused, including the main perpetrator, Vijendra Prajapati, as named in the First Information Report. The arrests were made following the incident on May 10, where Arif Khan was reportedly assaulted by members associated with a Hindu group at a hotel in Bhopal.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Vijendra Prajapati, Rohit Singh, Jeetu Kushwah, Ranjit Suryavanshi, Lala Ram Meena, Prateek, and Ramesh. They have been charged under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for acts intended to outrage religious sentiments and Section 291 for rioting. The assault on Khan, which involved physical violence and humiliation, triggered protests and demands for swift arrests and stringent action against the perpetrators.
In response to the outrage, authorities imposed Section 144 in certain areas of the Old City to prevent further disturbances. Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar mentioned that additional arrests are expected as investigations continue. With tensions high, security measures have been heightened in anticipation of large gatherings for Friday prayers. Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and warned against any attempts to disrupt public order.
Bhopal City Qazi Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi urged residents to remain calm and not be swayed by misinformation. He highlighted the ongoing police investigation and called for cooperation to uphold peace in Bhopal. The authorities have assured a thorough probe into the incident to ensure justice is served.
