Ahmedabad’s Dhalgarwad market remained closed on Friday after traders came together to protest a violent attack inside a shop following a dispute that began over a minor traffic-related argument near Pankor Naka.
The incident took place on Thursday evening when a group of around five to seven people allegedly entered the shop of Mohmand Amin Ahmedhussain in Dhalgarwad and confronted 17-year-old Aman, who was involved in an earlier altercation. According to the police complaint, the group allegedly assaulted Aman and also attacked his uncle Mohmand Amin, his son Aqeel and their friend Zaheer Mansuri when they intervened.
Dispute began near Pankor Naka
According to the complaint, Aman was travelling on a moped through Pankor Naka when another rider asked him to move aside because of traffic congestion. Aman allegedly told him there was no space to pull over, following which an argument broke out and he was assaulted. People gathered at the spot, prompting the attackers to leave. Aman later returned home and informed his family about the incident.
Police said the dispute escalated later in the day when the group allegedly reached the Dhalgarwad shop. The attackers are accused of entering the premises, assaulting Aman and others and damaging property. A mobile phone belonging to Zaheer Mansuri was also allegedly broken during the incident. The group allegedly issued threats while displaying sharp weapons.
CCTV footage being examined
CCTV footage from the area has been obtained by the police and is being examined as part of the investigation. The footage reportedly shows a group entering the shop and an assault taking place inside the premises, following which nearby shopkeepers intervened.
Mohmand Amin and Aman sustained injuries to their head and face and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Based on the complaint, Karanj police have named five accused — Irfan Walibhai Ghanchi, Riyaz Warish Noor Ahmed Sheikh, Noor Mohammad Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Irfan Yasinbhai Sheikh and Iqbal Yasin Sheikh. A case has also been registered against seven unidentified persons. Police are using CCTV footage and other evidence to identify the remaining accused and establish the sequence of events.
Traders shut market in protest
Following the attack, traders in Dhalgarwad decided to keep the market closed on Friday in protest. Shopkeepers gathered and called for action against those responsible for the violence.
The closure was described by traders as a collective and peaceful protest, with the business community seeking strict action against the accused and measures to prevent similar incidents in the market.