Bhopal murder accused arrested after short encounter:Hindu organizations stage protest demanding strict action

The main accused in the murder of 35-year-old tea businessman Vijay Rajput Mewar (Bittu) in Bhopal’s Ashoka Garden area has been arrested following a short police encounter on Wednesday. The accused, Asif alias Bam, was allegedly trying to attack and escape when police intercepted him. Earlier, three suspects—Farman, Kalu, and Imran—had already been detained, while Asif had been absconding. Protests demanding strict action Before the arrest, members of Hindu organizations staged protests from around 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, demanding the accused’s encounter and demolition of his house using a bulldozer. Incident took place late Sunday night According to police, Vijay Mewar, a resident of Subhash Colony, operated two tea outlets in Ashoka Garden and Kolar areas. On Sunday night, around 1:30 am, he had closed his shop and gone to drop his employees in Pragati Nagar. See pictures of the protest Dispute escalated after argument At Pragati Nagar, the main accused Asif, along with his associates Farman, Kalu, and Imran, was present. They were reportedly acquaintances of the victim’s employees. The accused allegedly asked the employees to accompany them, but they refused, citing early work commitments. This led to an argument, during which the accused misbehaved with them. When Vijay intervened and tried to pacify Asif by addressing him as “son,” the situation escalated. Fatal attack with knife Police said that an enraged Asif pulled out a knife and stabbed Vijay in the abdomen. His associates also assaulted him. After the attack, all the accused fled the spot. Vijay was rushed to a nearby private hospital by employees and locals, but doctors declared him dead. Minister assures strict action State minister Vishvas Sarang visited the victim’s family on Tuesday night and assured them of strict action. He termed the incident “brutal” and said the accused should face the harshest punishment, including the death penalty. He also stated that authorities have been directed to take the strictest possible action. Sarang added that illegal properties of the accused would be demolished using bulldozers. Support for victim’s family The minister announced that the government would take responsibility for the education of Vijay’s two daughters and ensure employment support for his wife. Investigation continues Police are continuing the investigation while maintaining security in the area, as the case has triggered public outrage and protests in the city.