Guns and swords brandished at Nagpur's Munje Chowk in gang feud

A wave of panic swept Nagpur's busy Munje Chowk area for some time on Sunday afternoon after four to five men allegedly arrived at the spot carrying pistols and swords. Eyewitnesses said the weapons were brandished openly during a confrontation with Razak Shaikh, brother of gangster Bhuru alias Akram Shaikh. People in the area, which normally sees heavy foot traffic, are said to have panicked and fled on seeing the weapons.

A major incident is said to have been averted because Razak left the spot in time. The episode has heightened police concern, coming as tensions were already running high in the area following the recent murder of Razak's 14-year-old son.

Razak's son was allegedly murdered on Thursday night within the limits of Jaripatka police station. Tensions between Razak and his close associates are said to have escalated further after the murder.

According to preliminary information, Razak had a dispute on Saturday near Lohapul with Bhuru's brother-in-law and some other relatives. The dispute is said to have stemmed from anger over an alleged attack on his brother Bhuru and a nephew, meaning the earlier alleged attack is said to have led to Saturday's dispute and then Sunday's incident.

Razak runs a travel agency business in the Munje Chowk area. On Sunday, some men allegedly arrived at his travel agency carrying pistols and swords, and the sight of the weapons is said to have caused panic among people in the area.

As Razak and his associates began leaving the spot, the alleged attackers are accused of chasing them for some distance.

Traffic police who witnessed the incident immediately alerted the control room. A team from Sitabuldi police station then reached the spot and detained some suspects for questioning. Further action in the case was underway till late Sunday night.

Tension is said to persist in the Jaripatka area following the murder of the boy. Razak is also accused of pelting stones and damaging some shops after his son's death.

Police are also investigating reports that an attack was being plotted during the accused's court appearance in the murder case.

Following the latest incident at Munje Chowk, police have stepped up patrolling in sensitive areas of the city to prevent any further trouble.