The Bhopal Police on Wednesday afternoon arrested Asif (alias Asif Bom), the prime accused in the high-profile murder of businessman Vijay Mewada (alias Bittu). The arrest followed a short encounter in the Samaspora forest area near Ratibad at approximately 1:30 pm. Asif, who had been absconding for three days, was shifted to Hamidia Hospital under heavy security for treatment of a gunshot wound to his leg. While two other accomplices, Farman and Imran, were arrested a day after the incident, Asif had managed to evade capture until Wednesday. The 15-minute gunfight: Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar stated that acting on a tip-off regarding the suspect’s hideout, a police team cordoned off the Ratibad area. Upon being cornered, Asif opened fire on the personnel. In the ensuing 15-minute exchange of fire, the accused was shot in the leg. Police recovered a pistol from the spot. Preliminary investigations reveal that Asif is a history-sheeter with over 10 criminal cases registered against him.

 

 

The delay in the prime accused’s arrest triggered massive unrest earlier on Wednesday. Thousands of members from various organisations gathered at Polytechnic Square, causing a major traffic jam. The protesters demanded the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA) and bulldozer action (demolition of illegal properties) against the accused. Case background: The victim, Vijay Mewada, operated tea lounges in Ashoka Garden and Kolar. The incident occurred late Sunday night around 1:30 am when Mewada was dropping off his employees after closing his Ashoka Garden outlet. According to witnesses, Asif and his associates intercepted the staff at Pragati Nagar and attempted to force them to accompany the group. When Mewada intervened to de-escalate the situation and protect his employees, a heated argument ensued. In a fit of rage, Asif allegedly drew a knife and stabbed Mewada multiple times in the chest and abdomen. Mewada was rushed to a nearby hospital by onlookers but was declared dead on arrival by the doctors.