Bihar: Driver, bodyguard injured after mob attacks JD(U) MLA in Sheohar, 8 held

PATNA: Police arrested at least eight persons till Saturday for their alleged involvement in attacking JD(U) MLA Sarfuddin when he was travelling in a car at village Mesodha under Piprahi police station area in Sheohar district on late Friday night. Sarfuddin represents Sheohar assembly seat.
Police sources said MLA’s driver and one of the two bodyguards received minor injuries in the attack who were released after being provided with first aid.They said attack was aimed to malign his political image by rivals and to show that he has lost confidence of people in his area in order to weaken his claim for ticket for the upcoming assembly elections.
Shoehar SP Santosh Kumar eight persons were arrested till Saturday morning and raids were going on to nab several others who were involved in the attack.
He said a mob of around 40-50 people had attacked the MLA when he was travelling inside car. SP said that the incident took place at around 9.30pm.
“MLA’s vehicle was attacked with cow dung. Stone pelting also took place in the incident in which his car received some damages,” he said.
SP said that MLA remained unhurt during the incident but the mob got involved in scuffle with driver and bodyguard when they had stepped outside vehicle in an attempt to disperse them.
“Police team was rushed to spot after which crowd was dispersed and MLA was taken to safety,” SP added.
Meanwhile, SDPO Rakesh Kumar said that attack took place when the MLA was returning to his residence at Mahuawa village from Mesodha in his vehicle with a driver and two bodyguards.
“He had went there to attend a dinner at residence of one Mohammad Irshad. The incident took place when his vehicle had reached on main road from village while returning,” he said.
SDPO Kumar said that MLA had made 28 persons and 30 others unknown as accused in FIR lodged with Piprahi police station in connection with attacking him.
“The main accused Mohammad Wanik has been arrested besides seven others who all are named accused in FIR lodged by the MLA. Wanik is native of Mahuawa village from where the MLA hails,” he said.
SDPO Kumar said that the MLA has alleged that the attacked was planned in order to malign and tarnish his political image. “The injured driver and bodyguard were allowed to go home after being provided with first aid,” he said.