Three attacks, three weapons: Mumbai sees koyta, sword and knife violence

Three separate incidents of violence shook Mumbai on September 3, as petty disputes escalated into brutal attacks involving a koyta (sickle), a sword, and a knife. Police have arrested all the accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act for attempt to murder.

[popcorn number="Sept 3" desc="The day when all three attacks took place" class="Default"]

Cash dispute

A 27-year-old autorickshaw driver was attacked with a koyta in Vikhroli around 3.30 pm on September 3. According to police, Salman Makbul Qureshi was driving towards Vikhroli station when Shahbaz Turaiya (alias Shabu) blocked his rickshaw with a motorcycle and demanded R200 for alcohol. When Qureshi refused, Shabu allegedly attacked him with a koyta. Qureshi suffered an injury to his back and also injured his knee while trying to escape. Shabu allegedly threatened Qureshi’s brother, his wife, and others who tried to intervene. Parksite police have arrested Shabu.

Insta dispute

A 17-year-old boy was allegedly attacked with a sword in Mahim following a dispute over Instagram messages. Sohan Salim Sheikh had allegedly received abusive and threatening messages from Rio on September 1. On September 3, Rio, Riya, Mateen and others allegedly approached Sohan near the Canara Bank bridge in Shahunagar and abused him. Two allegedly held him while Rio attacked his head and neck with a sword. Sohan suffered injuries while trying to defend himself. He was taken to Reza Hospital and later referred to Sion Hospital after an X-ray reportedly showed a broken sword blade lodged in his abdomen. Police have arrested the accused.

Neighbourhood knife attack

A 24-year-old delivery boy was allegedly stabbed after a neighbourhood argument in Ghatkopar East. According to the police, Sonu Raju Khalse was sitting near Jodiba temple in Kamraj Nagar around 1.15 pm when Aslam Zakir Hussain Sheikh allegedly confronted him over remarks allegedly made about him. After an argument and assault, Aslam allegedly returned with a knife and stabbed Khalse in the right forearm and abdomen. The knife broke during the assault, leaving its blade lodged below his ribs. Aslam also allegedly threatened interveners with a paving stone. Khalse was subsequently taken to Rajawadi Hospital and later referred to Sion Hospital. Pantnagar police have arrested Aslam.