Houses of RSS, VHP functionaries attacked in Bijnor; 1 held

Bijnor: The houses of RSS district in-charge Vipin Chauhan and VHP leader Amit Sharma were allegedly attacked by a group of youths in Dhampur area of Bijnor district early Saturday, police said.One accused, Suheb Ahmed (36), has been arrested, while several others remain absconding. Police said Ahmed was injured in the leg in retaliatory firing after he allegedly tried to escape from custody by snatching a head constable's pistol and opening fire. He is currently undergoing treatment.Later in the evening, authorities used bulldozers to demolish a portion of Ahmed's house, claiming it had been constructed on govt land. Police said several individuals allegedly entered the houses of Chauhan and Sharma in the early hours, vandalised property and looted jewellery and cash. Family members alleged that the attackers also damaged household items and assaulted people present in the houses.Police teams rushed to the spot after residents alerted authorities. Members of several Hindu organisations later gathered in the locality and demanded strict action against the accused.Dhampur MLA Ashok Kumar Rana visited the area and assured residents that those responsible would face strict legal action."Based on a complaint filed by Amit Sharma, a case has been filed under BNS sections 333 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 109(1) (attempt to commit an offence), 305(a) (snatching/robbery-related offence), 324(4) (mischief causing damage to property), and 125 (act endangering life or personal safety)," said Dhampur circle officer Abhay Pandey. Preliminary investigation suggests Ahmed had earlier visited the centre to withdraw money, where an argument allegedly broke out between the two. He allegedly returned later with associates and carried out the attack. Further investigation is underway, police said.