1 killed for ‘trying to steal goats’, another critical

GUJARAT

ONE PERSON died and another was critically injured after they were beaten up by some people for allegedly trying to steal goats in Pandesara area of Surat on Wednesday.

The victim has been identified as Shakil Qureshi, 30, a resident of Udhna area. According to reports, Qureshi and his friend Mansuri Abdul Naeem, 32, a resident of Maruti Nagar in Limbayat, tried to steal two goats tied outside a house in Siddharth Nagar, in Pandesara, which is a predominantly Hindu area.

The duo were reportedly caught by the owner of the goats, Jagannath Sanyasi, who shouted for help. Some residents of the area then reportedly thrashed them. They were rushed to hospital after police reached the spot. Qureshi was declared dead on arrival, while Naeem is reported to be in a critical condition. “Both the men were involved in stealing goats, and they were caught red-handed by residents who beat them up. We have seized their car and are trying to identify its owner. We are trying to identify the accused,” said ACP Mukesh Patel.

Qureshi’s brother, Allahrakha, has filed a complaint of murder against a group of sixeight unknown persons. “We have been told by police that both Naeem and Qureshi went to steal goats, and they were caught and beaten up. They have not done any such thing till now... We want those involved to be identified and punished,” he said. Meanwhile, Sanyasi has filed a complaint against the duo on charges of attempting to steal his goats.