Damoh police encountered a notorious criminal in the morning on Thursday and was shot in his leg and arrested him after he opened fire at police.
Qasim Qureshi, a history-sheeter wanted in multiple cases, including cow slaughter, had been evading arrest.
Acting on a tip-off about his presence in Rajnagar, the police surrounded him around 6 am. Despite warnings to surrender, Qureshi fired two shots, injuring ASI Anand Ahirwal in the hand. In retaliation, the police shot Qureshi in the leg and arrested him.
ASI Ahirwal was referred to Jabalpur Medical College, while Qureshi was admitted to Sagar District Hospital. Qureshi’s family blocked the Chaman intersection for over an hour, alleging the police intentionally shot him and claiming he was unarmed. However, police recovered half a dozen weapons and explosives from a location Qureshi disclosed during interrogation.
The incident unfolded as police confiscated weapons near a pond in Rajnagar. Qureshi allegedly retrieved a hidden revolver and fired at the officers, injuring ASI Ahirwal. Despite attempts to negotiate, Qureshi tried to flee, prompting police to shoot him in the leg. He was subsequently arrested.
Qureshi’s family disputed the police’s account, questioning why he was shot and alleging foul play. His aunt claimed Qureshi had no weapon and accused the police of acting on a rival’s influence. However, Qureshi faces 23 criminal cases, including cow slaughter, robbery, dacoity, and attempted murder, and had been absconding in several cases.
The police maintain that Qureshi was armed and posed a threat, leading to the exchange of fire. The situation remains tense as investigations continue.
