Panic spread across the Rakhial and Bapunagar areas on 18th December, Wednesday night, as videos surfaced on social media showing a few Islamist individuals openly brandishing swords and other weapons on public roads. Based on the reports from Desh Gujarat, the footage also depicted miscreants confronting police officers, coercing them into their own vehicle, and vandalizing a police car.
Two separate complaints have been registered in connection with the incident. One individual, identified as Islamist Sameer, alias Chikna Mehboob Mia, has been arrested, while a search operation is underway to locate the remaining suspects.
According to an FIR lodged at the Rakhial Police Station by Saddamudin Sheikh, six armed individuals approached him, instigated an altercation, and attacked him with deadly weapons. They also issued threats against his brother before fleeing the scene. The accused reportedly used abusive language and attempted to kill Sheikh during the attack.
The chaos began near Noor Mahal Hotel in Rakhial, with Islamist miscreants brandishing weapons and intimidating residents. The violence later spilled into Bapunagar, where the accused allegedly threatened police officers who arrived at the scene. Senior police officials intervened late at night to restore order.
The Rakhial police arrested Islamist Sameer, alias Chikna Mehboob Mia, and registered a complaint, while the Bapunagar police filed a separate case. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, identified as Islamist Sarvar, alias Kadva; Fazal; Anni Rajput; Altaf, alias Jumman; and Mahefuz.
The accused face charges under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, including Sections 109, 189(2), 189(4), 190, 191(1), 191(2), 191(3), 115(2), 296(b), 54, and 351(2), as well as Section 135(1) of the Gujarat Police Act.
Authorities have intensified their efforts to bring the culprits to justice and ensure public safety in the affected areas. Radical predatory Islamists often exploit such moments to incite violence and chaos, aiming to disrupt the peace and harmony within society. Their actions sow fear and distrust, tearing apart the social fabric of local areas, villages, or cities. In March 2024, Bengaluru police arrested several sword-wielding Islamists spotted on two-wheelers in the R T Nagar area, creating panic among residents. Incidents like these are becoming alarmingly frequent across Bharat, raising serious concerns about public safety and the growing audacity of such disruptive elements.
