Groups clash over old dispute near mosque, cross FIRs lodged

Indore: A dispute between two groups over an old issue escalated into a violent altercation in Azad Nagar area. Police said cross FIRs have been lodged by both parties and an investigation is underway.

The altercation took place near a mosque located behind the old jail. Mohammad Saif Ali Khan, a resident of Azad Nagar, told police that the incident occurred when he was returning home after offering namaz at the mosque. He alleged that Farhan initiated the confrontation by abusing him over a past complaint. When he objected, then three persons — Arif, Alfaz and Aman — attacked him. Arif struck him on the head with a belt, while Alfaz attacked him with a wooden stick and Aman assaulted him with punches. Saif sustained injuries during the attack and alleged the accused also threatened to kill him.

In a counter-complaint, Abdul Rehan, also a resident of Azad Nagar alleged that he was standing outside the mosque when four individuals — Ahmed, Moin, Saif, and Mohammad Dishaant — approached him and began abusing him over an old issue. The argument soon escalated and all four allegedly began assaulting him with fists and kicks. During the scuffle, Ahmed reportedly attacked Rehan with a sharp object, injuring his leg. He too alleged that the assailants issued death threats.

Acting on complaints from both the parties, Azad Nagar police have registered a cross-FIR under charges of assault, abusive language, and criminal intimidation. An investigation is underway to determine the sequence of events and identify the instigators of violence.