Panic gripped parts of Nandanvan late at night after members of the notorious ‘Beats’ gang allegedly created terror and set a cafe on fire following a violent clash between two groups. The incident, which began over a minor dispute, soon escalated into a serious law and order situation and forced police to deploy a strong force and riot control teams in the area.

 

 

According to police, the incident took place near Rashtrasant Tukdoji Smarak Bhavan on Nandanvan Road. Mohammad Faizal Mohammad Mushtaq Sheikh (21), who runs a cafe named FS Zone, told police that around 9.30 pm, he was closing his cafe and heading home when he noticed a young man, identified as Abhijit Shelke, urinating in front of his establishment. “When I objected to his behaviour, he started abusing me,” Faizal stated in his complaint. “Soon, Shelke and three to four others began assaulting me.” The verbal argument quickly turned violent and drew the attention of people in the area. Shelke (33), a resident of Naik Road, Mahal, is a notorious criminal. DCP Zone IV Rashmita Rao said that a police patrolling team noticed the commotion and bundled all the accused to the police station. 

 

 

Eyewitnesses said that after the initial clash, tempers flared up again. When Shelke was taken to the police, his associates came to the spot and entered the cafe after bending the shutter. The accused poured petrol in the cafe and set it afire at around 1 am. A large crowd gathered from both sides and the situation became extremely tense. Some miscreants also attempted to give the incident a communal colour, police said.

 

 

Upon receiving information, a large police force rushed to the scene. Senior officers visited the spot to assess the situation. Addtional police force and riot control teams were deployed immediately to prevent further violence and to ensure that peace was restored Staff from other police stations in Zone 4 were also called in and a riot control unit was stationed in the area. Police dispersed the crowds from both sides and sealed off sensitive points.

 

 

Police said that Abhijit Shelke, who is at the centre of the incident, is a known criminal and a member of the ‘Beats’ gang. He has a long criminal history dating back to 2013, including a murder case and several offences related to rioting and bodily harm. “A total of 11 preventive actions have been taken against Shelke in the past,” a senior police officer said. “He was also externed from the city earlier due to his criminal activities.” Five to six people sustained injuries in the clashes and were given medical treatment. No loss of life was reported. Police have registered cases against members of both groups under relevant sections of the BNS, including rioting, assault, and arson. Police maintained a heavy presence in the area throughout the night and until morning to prevent any further trouble.