The main accused in the violent attack by Islamic mob on police personnel and a magistrate in Bhadrak, which took place four months ago, has been arrested. Firdaus Khan, who is accused of inciting a mob that led to the assault, was taken into custody by police and presented in court today. Following the incident, Bhadrak experienced significant unrest, with internet services disrupted for several days and shops and commercial establishments forced to close, causing considerable inconvenience to the public. The accused had been on the run since the attack.
The incident on September 27 was sparked by a controversial social media post. Firdaus Khan, a resident of Nangamahala under Puruna Bazar police limits, allegedly mobilised individuals from his community to stage an unauthorised protest near Senthiya Bridge. The protest quickly escalated, with the mob burning tyres, blocking roads, and attacking police officers and administrative officials.
According to Anshuman Dwivedi, Additional Superintendent of Police in Bhadrak, the mob vandalised the government vehicle of Tehsildar Sangram Priyadarshi Khuntia, who was on duty as a magistrate. The City DSP, along with ASI Rajkishore Murmu from Saharanchal Police Station, sustained severe injuries during the attack. Murmu suffered a critical head injury and was hospitalised in serious condition.
In the aftermath of the incident, multiple cases were registered against Firdaus Khan at both Saharanchal and Puruna Bazar police stations. Khan evaded arrest and reportedly went into hiding outside the state. However, he was apprehended yesterday while attempting to seek bail in an unrelated criminal case at Saharanchal Police Station.
Today, Khan was presented in court regarding the assault case. He is also reportedly involved in several other criminal cases across various police jurisdictions, with arrest warrants issued against him.
On September 27, three senior police officials were seriously injured during an attack by a violent islamist mob in Bhadrak, triggered by the aforementioned social media post. A large group of angry individuals assaulted administrative officials and police in the Nangamahal area, near the Purana Bazar police station. The mob, consisting of hundreds of people, confronted the police, vandalised the Tehsildar’s vehicle, and threw stones at the officers. As a result of this assault, three police personnel sustained serious injuries.
ASI Murmu sustained a severe head injury and was admitted to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital. City DSP Anshuman Dwivedi suffered a serious leg injury during the attack. In response, police were forced to conduct a mild lathi charge to disperse the protesters. Following the incident, Section 163 under BNSS was imposed in the area.
