Witness in murder case attacked with swords, car run over his leg; attackers still free

BENGALURU: Criminals seem to be operating with impunity in the city with no fear of the police. In one such instance, a witness in a murder case was attacked as he was slated to record his statement in court.

Syed Saif was an eyewitness in the murder of Syed Asgar by a group of 7-8 people at Govindapura in DJ Halli police limits a few years ago. Five people had been arrested in the case and the accused had come out on bail. Ever since, they had been threatening Saif not to provide evidence in court.

A case has been registered in connection with the attack on Syed Saif at Banaswadi police station, but the attackers have not been traced yet.

Undeterred by the threats, Syed Saif had planned to go ahead and record his statement. However, last Saturday night, when he was going along Kammanahalli main road to have tea, some miscreants knocked down his two-wheeler with a car, ran the vehicle over his leg and then attacked him with swords.

Syed Adnan said the police are yet to arrest the attackers.

“Syed Asgar was our childhood friend. Me and my brother Syed Saif, along with some other friends, were witnesses in the case. Our friends too were attacked and an FIR has been registered at Govindapura police station. My brother too was attacked near the Hennur bridge as he too is a witness in the case. They came in black Honda City car and carried out the attack with swords. Doctors say my brother’s situation is very critical”, says Syed Adnan.

With severe injuries, Syed Saif is now undergoing treatment at Victoria Hospital, fighting for his life. The Banaswadi police have registered a case in connection with the attack, but are yet to trace the attackers, family members said.