Agniveer, Brother Arrested in Malda for Allegedly Assaulting Traffic ASI During Helmet Check
Malda, West Bengal: Two brothers were arrested in West Bengal’s Malda district after allegedly assaulting a traffic Assistant Sub-Inspector during a helmet-checking drive, leaving the officer with a bleeding nose and damaged police equipment, officials said.
The incident took place on Wednesday evening on the stretch between Naogama and Pukhuria under Pukhuria police station limits, according to police. The officer involved, ASI Ajmal Hossain — also referred to in some reports as Azam Hossain or Sheikh Ajmal — was posted with the traffic department and was conducting a routine check when he stopped a motorcycle carrying two riders who were not wearing helmets.
Police said the confrontation began after the officer asked the riders to produce their driving licence and started taking photographs of the vehicle as part of the documentation process. An argument followed, during which Masidur Rahaman, identified as an Agniveer in the Indian Army and a resident of Paranpur village in Pukhuria, allegedly punched the ASI on the nose.
His brother, Safikul Rahman, whose name is also spelled in some reports as Sofikul or Shafiqul, allegedly joined in and abused the police personnel at the scene. The assault left the officer injured, with his nose bleeding badly enough to require three stitches at a local hospital, police said. His body camera and the point-of-sale machine used to collect traffic fines were also damaged in the altercation.
Malda Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh said the two men had violated traffic rules and then became embroiled in a quarrel with the officer while photographs were being taken. “Two bikers violated traffic rules. When photographs were being taken, they argued with the officer, punched him, and broke his camera. We have arrested both, and cases have been registered for assault, obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty, and damaging government property,” Singh said.
Police have registered cases against the brothers under relevant legal provisions relating to assault, obstructing a public servant while performing official duties, and damaging government property. Authorities have also informed Masidur Rahaman’s army superiors about his arrest. Reports said the Agniveer was on leave at the time, and some accounts placed his posting in Madhya Pradesh.
The brothers were taken into custody following the incident, and the investigation is continuing. Police said the accused will be produced before the court in due course as per procedure.
The episode has drawn attention to the risks faced by traffic personnel during roadside enforcement, especially when officers are using body cameras and other devices to document violations. This report is based on statements from Malda police and contemporaneous local news coverage. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
