ROBBERY AT OIL MILL IN THE JAMA MASJID COMPLEX

ROBBERY AT OIL MILL IN THE JAMA MASJID COMPLEX

6-SEP-ENG 13

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR----------------------------A case of robbery involving cash and goods has come to light following the demolition of a wall at an oil mill located in the *Katra* (complex) of Jama Masjid (Badi Masjid)—registered as Waqf No. 1601—situated in the bustling commercial area of ​​Thatheri Bazaar under the Town Police Station limits. The aggrieved shopkeeper, Rakesh Sharma, has lodged a written complaint at the Town Police Station against seven associates of the mosque committee and 30 to 40 unidentified individuals. The police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.

According to the victim, the incident occurred on Friday following the *Jumma* (Friday) prayers. It is alleged that individuals associated with the mosque committee broke down the oil mill's wall and looted the shop. The incident caused a stir in the area. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the police are actively investigating the matter.

Acknowledging the seriousness of the case, Shahabad DIG Satyaprakash consulted Buxar SP Shubham Arya to gather details. He ordered the identification and immediate arrest of the culprits. The DIG also addressed the issue regarding complaints that the Buxar SP had not been answering phone calls.

Sadar DSP Gaurav Pandey has registered an FIR against the concerned individuals and commenced an investigation. He appealed to both parties to maintain peace. Gaurav Pandey stated that a related matter is currently pending in court; instructions have been issued to maintain the *status quo* until a court verdict is delivered. Additionally, the damaged area has been sealed.

In his application to the Town Police Station, Rakesh Sharma—son of Thatheri Bazaar resident Suresh Sharma—stated that he and his father have been operating the oil mill shop in the Jama Masjid (Waqf No. 1601) complex for the past 68 years.

The victim alleged in the application that on the afternoon of September 4, following the conclusion of Friday prayers, an announcement was made from the mosque regarding the demolition of his shop. Shortly thereafter, dozens of individuals associated with the mosque committee arrived armed with sticks and clubs and demolished the mill's wall.

The victim alleges that after breaking down the wall, the mob looted the shop. According to the complaint, Joint Secretary Shabbir Ahmed stole ₹10,000 in cash from the shop's cash box. Meanwhile, the accused—Fasih Alam, Dunnu Hashmi, Zulfikar Hashmi, and Sagir Farooqui—are accused of dismantling two 4 HP Crompton motors installed in the mill and removing old machine parts. Additionally, Saif Ansari is accused of conspiring with other unidentified individuals to loot four tins of mustard oil and other valuables from the shop.

According to the victimized shopkeeper, locals began to gather upon hearing the commotion. Subsequently, the named accused leading the mob gathered the stolen goods and fled the scene. The victim alleges that while leaving, the accused threatened to blow up him, his entire family, his home, and his shop with a bomb if he reported the matter to the police.

In his complaint, the victim, Rakesh Sharma, alleges that the entire dispute stems from an old enmity. He states that in 2024, the mosque committee was attempting to level an ancient government well located on the premises by filling it with soil. At that time, the victim's family had opposed the destruction of government property. The victim alleges that this incident was carried out as a result of that ongoing animosity.