Raipur, June 19: A third Muslim man has succumbed to his injuries following an alleged assault over cattle transportation in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Saddam Qureshi, 23, passed away on June 18, 2024, after battling severe injuries since June 7. He is the latest victim in a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two other men, Guddu Khan, 35, and Chand Miya Khan, 23, who died at the scene.
According to the Indian Express, Qureshi suffered major brain injuries, along with multiple fractures in his ribs, shoulder, pelvis, left hand, and spine. He had reportedly been in a coma until his death.
The incident occurred near the Mahanadi bridge, where the bodies of Guddu Khan and Chand Miya were discovered. Qureshi was found severely injured nearby. The victims were reportedly chased by unidentified assailants before being assaulted and left beneath the bridge.
An FIR was filed based on a complaint from Qureshi’s relative, who received a distress call from him during the attack. The accused have been charged with attempted murder and culpable homicide. The police are currently investigating the case, with Qureshi’s statements and CCTV footage expected to play a crucial role in the probe.
“We received information that they were being chased by some people, after which they were found lying below the Mahanadi bridge,” said Kirtan Rathore, the additional superintendent of police for Raipur district. “While one of them had died, two were rushed to a hospital in Mahasamund, where another succumbed. The third is in a serious condition at a hospital in Raipur city.”
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Rathore mentioned that it is difficult to determine whether all injuries were caused by the fall from the bridge or were inflicted beforehand. The police are awaiting medical reports to clarify the cause of the injuries.
Family members allege that the men were murdered. A cousin of Qureshi and Chand Miya recalled receiving a frantic call from Qureshi, who was heard pleading for water and mercy during the assault. The family did not initially seek police help, unaware that the situation would escalate to such violence.
As of now, no arrests have been made. The police continue to investigate, with efforts focused on identifying the perpetrators through CCTV footage and other evidence.
