Bhopal, April 1 (IANS) Bhopal police on Wednesday arrested the prime accused in the murder of hotel owner Vijay Mewada after a brief exchange of fire in the Ratibad area.​

The accused, Asif alias Bam, was shot in the leg during the encounter and rushed to Hamidia Hospital for treatment. ​

Police said they had received specific intelligence that Asif was hiding in the Samaspur/Kerwa forest area near Ratibad.​

As officers were taking him to the police station after his arrest, Asif suddenly pulled out a pistol and opened fire on the team near Ratibad around 12:00-12:15 p.m. ​

The police retaliated in self-defence, injuring him in the leg. A reward of Rs 30,000 had been announced for information leading to his arrest.​

The murder took place two days ago near Pragati Nagar under the Ashoka Garden police station limits. Mewada, 35, had a minor altercation with Asif and his associates near Prabhat Petrol Pump. ​

The dispute escalated when Asif and others attacked him with sharp weapons.​

Mewada was critically injured in the first blow and succumbed during treatment at Hamidia Hospital.​

Two other accused, Farman and Imran, were arrested soon after the crime. Asif, the third and main accused, had been on the run. ​

Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar confirmed the details of the encounter.​

The incident triggered strong public outrage. Various organisations staged protests and a foot march towards the Chief Minister’s residence, demanding swift justice. ​

Demonstrators raised slogans calling for the police to arrest the accused and the demolition of their properties using bulldozers. ​

Police intercepted the protesters at Polytechnic Square and dispersed them.​

The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.​

–IANS

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