The Deonar police arrested one person in connection with an attack on a 30-year-old Govandi resident, who was shot at on Monday morning.
The victim, Abbas Sheikh, is a cable operator and stays with his family in Bainganwadi. Around 5 a.m., Mr. Sheikh was on his way to Imam Pada with his friend on the latter’s bike when six people accosted them on Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road.
“The accused blocked Mr. Sheikh’s path with a scooter and an autorickshaw, and attacked him and his friend with their bare hands, after which one of them shot at Mr. Sheikh. He sustained a bullet injury to his thigh,” an officer with the Deonar police said.
While the accused were trying to flee, a patrolling unit of the Deonar police nabbed one of them, identified as Rajan Rathod (24). According to the police, a land-related dispute between Mr. Rathod and Mr. Sheikh led to the assault.
“A plot was purchased by Mr. Shiekh’s friend Sultan Mirza in Khalapur in Raigad district earlier this year. The accused has said that the full amount for the transaction was not paid by Mr. Mirza, which led to the attack. Both parties have filed complaints against each other in the past,” police inspector Pandurang Darade, Deonar police station, said.
The victim was rushed to Shatabdi Hospital in Govandi. Doctors pronounced him stable and out of danger by evening. The police have booked Mr. Rathod and his accomplices for attempt to murder and criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the Arms Act. Inquiries are on to apprehend the remaining accused, and to recover the firearm used in the offence.
The incident comes close on the heels of another shootout, which shook the suburb of Chandivali on Saturday. Ibne Hassan (55), a Saki Naka resident, was allegedly shot dead by his relative Imanullah Khan (60) outside his residence over a family dispute.