Fahim Khan arrested for murder during last year’s Mahal riots

Nagpur: Fahim Khan, the alleged mastermind of the Mahal riots on March 17, 2025, was on Thursday arrested after his name surfaced in a murder which had taken place during the violence. Just two days ago, two minors linked to the murder were rounded up and sent to a govt shelter home.A 38-year-old welder Irafan Shafiq Ahmed Ansari, a resident of Bande Garib Nawaz Nagar, was attacked while on his way to Itwari railway station during the riots. He succumbed to his injuries at Mayo Hospital after six days. The murder case was registered at Tehsil police station. Initially handled by the Crime Branch, the investigation was transferred to the police station after charge sheet.Eight persons have already been arrested in the case. Fahim Khan's alleged involvement in the crime came to light following a thorough review of the case file by Zonal DCP Rahul Madhni under the guidance of Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy and CP Ravinder Singal. Sources said Fahim Khan went underground after his name surfaced in the case. Senior officers launched search operations to trace him. On Thursday, he was summoned to Tehsil police station. After being explained the grounds of arrest, he was taken into custody. He will be produced before the court on Friday, said police.Police sources termed Khan's arrest as a significant breakthrough in the murder probe. Top police officials said the investigation is progressing on multiple fronts and further arrests cannot be ruled out.The March 17, 2025, riots at Mahal in Central Nagpur had created considerable tension in the city, with Khan's name figuring prominently in police investigations related to the violence. Khan was granted bail in the riots case in July last year. Khan's wife Alisha was elected corporator from the Yashodhara Nagar area in January this year, while he has emerged as a prominent leader of a minority community organisation.