Nagpur: An atmosphere of fear has once again engulfed the residents of Tajabag following an assault on a local youth by relatives of Abu, a well-known criminal from the area, outside the Nagpur Central Jail on Wednesday evening. This incident has raised concerns about the potential resurgence of intimidation tactics employed by Abu’s gang. An offence has been registered at the Dhantoli police station as of Thursday.

According to the complainant, Sheikh Shahbaz Sheikh Nazim, a resident of Bada Tajabad, the incident occurred while he was waiting outside the jail for his friend, Raja, who was being released after serving a four-year sentence on October 16. Shahbaz was accompanied by friends Akram Khadim, Guddu Khan, and his brother-in-law, Mohibbe Rasool Ansari.

While they were waiting, Iqbal Khan Igga, who was standing near the jail gate, allegedly stared at Shahbaz and called him over. Iqbal confronted Shahbaz, questioning why he was looking at him and threatening him. He then verbally abused Shahbaz and slapped him. Following this, Faisal Khan Pau reportedly grabbed Shahbaz by the neck and pushed him forcefully to the ground.

The situation escalated when Raja Mazhar Khan, the son of Abu, joined the group and began assaulting Shahbaz. When Mohibbe Rasool Ansari attempted to intervene to protect Shahbaz, he too was attacked. The assault continued as Iqbal Khan Igga and his associates, including Akram Taji, targeted Shahbaz and his friends, resulting in severe injuries.

Based on Shahbaz’s complaint, the Dhantoli police have registered a case under various sections of the BNS, including 189(2), 191(2), 296(B), 351(2), and 115(2), against several individuals, including Iqbal Khan Igga, Faisal Khan Pau, Raja Mazhar Khan, Ashu Bhanja, Wasim Bhanja, Aqib Bhanja, Asif Bhanja, and Zakir Bhanja, all residents of Sakkardara. Additionally, ten unidentified accomplices have been booked for their involvement in the assault and subsequent threats.