Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader and candidate Haji Salim Qureshi was stabbed during a political rally in Mumbai’s Bandra East on Wednesday evening, triggering a swift police response and a large-scale hunt for the attackers.
Haji Salim Qureshi, a Shiv Sena candidate aligned with the Eknath Shinde faction, sustained knife injuries during a rally held at Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar in Bandra (East) on Wednesday. The attack occurred amid a gathering of supporters, when unidentified assailants allegedly struck him in the abdomen before fleeing the scene.
Investigators are currently scrutinising CCTV footage from the surrounding area to identify the attackers.
Qureshi was immediately taken on a motorcycle by his supporters to a private hospital in Bandra (West), where he is currently receiving medical treatment. Police officials have confirmed that his condition is stable and that he is out of danger.
Following the incident, the Kherwadi Police registered a case of attempted murder against unknown persons.
Senior officers have constituted three special teams under the supervision of the zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police, with assistance from the Mumbai Crime Branch, to trace and apprehend the accused.
Speaking on the incident, Zone 8 DCP Manish Kalwaniya said, “The motive behind the assault will become clear only after the accused are arrested. At around 5 pm, during the rally in Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Qureshi sustained some injuries to his abdomen. He is stable. Our teams are working on the ground.”
According to the police, the attack created tension in the locality, but the situation was brought under control after police personnel arrived at the scene. Further investigation is underway by Mumbai Police.
