Meerut: Two lawyers sustained bullet injuries in their legs after being allegedly shot during a clash over a chamber allotment inside Bulandshahr's district and sessions court complex on Monday. Police identified the injured as Imamuddin Khan, 55, and his relative Rauf Khan, both practicing lawyers at the court, who were admitted to the district hospital.
Chamber Dispute Escalates
The conflict centers around chamber number 272 in the court's N Block, which has been a source of long-standing tension between Imamuddin and former bar association secretary Pawan Neem. According to Ziaur Rehman, Imamuddin's son, the chamber previously belonged to the late advocate Saleem Akhtar. After Akhtar's death about two weeks ago, his wife facilitated the chamber's transfer to Imamuddin via the district court administration and the district bar association. However, Pawan Neem, Salekhchand, and their supporters opposed the allotment.
Attack Details
Ziaur recounted that around 6:30 am on Monday, Imamuddin received information that some individuals were attempting to break the chamber's main lock. He and Rauf Khan rushed to the court complex and found the accused allegedly entering the room. When they objected, they were assaulted and shot at, Ziaur claimed. He added that the accused fired three rounds, one hitting Imamuddin's right thigh and another striking Rauf below the knee. The accused then allegedly issued death threats before fleeing the scene.
Police Response
Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar Singh stated that based on the complaint, an FIR was registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 109(1) (attempt to murder), 190, 191(2)(3) (rioting), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 351 (criminal intimidation) against Pawan, Salekhchand, his son Avinash, and three others. Pawan, Salekhchand, and his son were arrested and sent to jail. Both injured lawyers are reported to be out of danger. After the attack, police sealed the chamber and tightened security at the court complex.
Bar Association Action
The Bulandshahr district bar association has cancelled the registration of the accused advocates. General Secretary Amit Chauhan confirmed that membership of five advocates—Salekhchand, Avinash, Pawan, Hemendra Verma, and Neeraj Singh—has been revoked from the district bar association. The association has also written to the state bar council to cancel their registration as well.
Notably, a licensed revolver owned by Salekhchand was used in the crime. Police have recovered the weapon and legal proceedings are underway, including the cancellation of the license.
