8 held for attack on JD(U) MLA in Bihar

PATNA: Eight persons have been arrested for alleged involvement in the attack on JD(U) MLA Sarfuddin at Mesodha under Piprahi police station area in Sheohar district late Friday night. Sarfuddin, who represents Sheohar assembly seat, was travelling in his car after attending a dinner at the residence of one Mohammad Irshad in the village.
Police sources said the MLA’s driver and a bodyguard received minor injuries.They said the attack was due to political rivalry.
Sheohar SP Santosh Kumar said raids were on to nab several others involved in the attack. He said a mob of around 40-50 people had attacked the MLA when his car was leaving Mesodha village at around 9.30pm. “The MLA’s vehicle was attacked with cow dung. Some people also pelted stones on the car,” he said.
The SP said the MLA remained unhurt but the mob attacked his driver and bodyguard when they stepped outside the vehicle in an attempt to disperse them. “Police rushed to the spot after which the crowd dispersed and the MLA was taken to safety,” he added.
SDPO Rakesh Kumar said the MLA was returning to his residence at Mahuawa village from Mesodha. “The incident took place when his vehicle reached the main road from the village on way back home,” he said.
The SDPO said the MLA has lodged an FIR against 28 named and 30 unknown people. “The main accused, Mohammad Wanik, has been arrested along with seven others named in the FIR. Wanik is a native of Mahuawa village from where the MLA hails from,” he said.
He further said that the MLA alleged that the attack was pre-planned in order to malign and tarnish his political image. “The injured driver and bodyguard were allowed to go home after being provided with first aid,” he said.