Ballarpur police detain 18-year-old for roaming with drawn sword in Buddhanagar ward

Police in Ballarpur (Chandrapur) have detained an 18-year-old youth on the charge of roaming a public place with an unsheathed sword. The action was taken in the early hours of Tuesday, October 13, in Buddhanagar ward.

Police identified the accused as Anas Mahmood Khan, 18, who lives near Ghausia Masjid in Buddhanagar ward, Ballarpur.

In view of the Navratri festival, a team of Ballarpur police station was on night rounds and patrolling in the area. Police constable Purushottam Kailas Chikate and policemen Phulchand Lodhi and Shantakumar Ghose were patrolling in a private vehicle when an informer gave them reliable information that a youth named Anas Khan was walking near Ghausia Masjid in Buddhanagar ward with an unsheathed, sharp sword in hand and trying to spread fear among people.

On receiving the information, police immediately planned action. Taking two panch witnesses along, the team reached the spot at once. According to police, on seeing them the accused, Anas Khan, threw the weapon in his hand into nearby garbage and tried to flee. Alert policemen, however, detained him on the spot in the presence of the panch witnesses.

Initially the accused gave evasive answers during questioning. When police took him into confidence and questioned him in depth, he showed them the discarded weapon.

Police seized from the spot an old, sharp iron sword with a wooden hilt. It is about 79 cm long and is valued at around Rs 500.

A case has been registered at Ballarpur police station against Anas Khan on the complaint of police constable Purushottam Chikate, on charges of possessing a deadly weapon without permission and attempting to disturb public peace.

The action was taken under the guidance of police inspector Bipin Ingle. Police constable Pankaj Shinde is conducting further detailed investigation into the case.