25-year-old beaten up in Mumbai in case of mistaken identity

Shamsuddin Rafiq, the victim, stopped to witness a clash between two groups when he was beaten up

A 25-year-old man was beaten up by three persons with an iron rod on Wednesday night at Chembur in what appears to be a case of mistaken identity.

Rafiq has been hospitalised and is undergoing treatment. (HT Photo/Used for representational purpose only)

Police said the incident occurred around 11pm near Gandhi bus stop, when two groups clashed in the area. As they were involved in a brawl, Shamsuddin Rafiq, an onlooker, stopped to witness the commotion. “He was beaten by three persons who thought he is from the opposite side,” said Jayprakash Bhosale, senior police inspector, Chembur police station.

Investigation revealed that the trio rained blows on Rafiq, after which they used an iron rod to assault him. Rafiq sustained injuries on his head and waist. He has been hospitalised and is undergoing treatment.

Police said that the accused asked the victim for his name and address before beating him up. Officials are on the lookout for the people who attacked Rafiq.A case has been registered in this regard under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means).