Delhi: Ex-MLA shot by bikers

New Delhi: The Delhi police has arrested one of the eight accused who allegedly attacked former Congress MLA Asif Muhammad Khan in southeast Delhi’s Zakir Nagar area on Monday afternoon.

Mr Khan said that he, along with residents of Zakir Nagar and members of Residents’ Welfare Association, were shot at when they went to meet his long-time friend Babu Bhai’s 78-year-old wife Mehrunisa. Identifying the alleged attackers, he said they opened fire at him and others because they were trying to help Ms Mehrunisa, who was allegedly being forced out of her home by a couple who claimed to be Babu Bhai’s relatives.

“We have arrested Mohammad Nasir, who is one of the accused named in the FIR. There are several other accused who will also be arrested soon. Mohammad Nasir is the stepson of Mehrunisa,” said a senior police official.

“Babu Bhai died last month and in his will he gave Mehrunisa the flat she is living in and two shops below her house. A couple, Mohd Nasir and his wife Sadaf, entered her house on Saturday and claimed their share in the property,” Mr Khan alleged.

He said that an argument broke out between the two parties. The residents and members of RWA intervened, after which the police was called.

“The police came and told the couple to leave. They left the premises but after the police was gone, a couple of men came and attacked all those who were helping Mehrunisa. In the process, RWA member Parvez Alam Khan was injured and had to be taken to hospital,” he said.

Upon hearing the news, the ex MLA decided to visit Ms Mehrunisa on Monday in order to plan what must be done about her situation. However, as soon as he stepped out, the couple started fighting with him and the people around him.

“They made a few phone calls. Four men on two bikes came with pistols and fired at least 20 rounds in our direction. Thankfully, no one was injured,” he said.

Based on his complaint, the police has registered an FIR under Section 307 (attempt to murder) against unknown persons.

“Further investigation is in progress,” said deputy commissioner of police (Southeast) Romil Baaniya.