Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Niketan Kadam has disclosed key details of the violent incident that unfolded in Mahal last year, narrating how a routine police call escalated into a fierce mob confrontation in which he was seriously injured.
Recounting the sequence of events, Kadam stated that he was on regular duty when he received a wireless message asking senior officers to assemble in the Mahal area. He first arrived at Ganeshpeth police station, where a crowd of around 100 people had gathered demanding action over an earlier dispute. Although a case had already been registered, confusion and rumours appeared to have intensified the situation.
As tensions mounted, large groups of youths assembled near Bhaldarpura and Chitnis Park, soon resorting to stone pelting. Acting under the directions of Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal, multiple teams were deployed to bring the situation under control.
During the operation, some miscreants took shelter inside a three-storey building in a narrow lane. When a few police personnel failed to return, Kadam said he decided to enter the premises himself along with his team to ensure their safety. Inside, officers faced resistance, even as occupants denied harbouring the suspects.
The situation escalated dramatically when the team stepped out of the building. A large mob had gathered outside, armed with sticks, stones and petrol bombs. With limited visibility and the police outnumbered, the risk intensified.
Kadam said he moved ahead to clear a path for his team’s safe exit. In the ensuing chaos, he noticed a weapon being swung towards him and instinctively tried to stop it. The weapon turned out to be an axe, which struck his hand, causing severe injuries and heavy bleeding.
The seriousness of the injury became apparent moments later, triggering panic among the mob, which began to disperse. Fellow officers immediately shifted Kadam to a hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Highlighting the importance of leadership in crisis situations, Kadam stated that officers must lead from the front rather than operate from behind. Following the incident, he also strengthened monitoring of social media platforms through initiatives like ‘Garud Drishti’ to prevent mobilisation of youth and curb the spread of provocative content.
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