Mujeeb Rahman Qambrani
MEHAR: Tension has escalated between two groups of the Mahesar community over the ownership of Al-Makkah Rice Mill, with one group holding a press conference alleging an armed attack and police registering a case over the incident.
Addressing a press conference, Qazi Naseer Mahesar, Qazi Masood Mahesar and Qazi Sarfaraz Mahesar said that Ali Akbar Mahesar had given them the rice mill on contract and they do not recognize Nadeem Mahesar, accusing him of making false allegations. They claimed that three days ago Nadeem Mahesar, Sartaj Chandio, Shahid Mahesar and other armed men attacked the rice mill, tortured a young man, held them hostage at gunpoint and took away more than Rs400,000. They alleged the attackers forced them to sign a false written statement and issued death threats, asking them to vacate the mill while claiming ownership.
They said a case regarding the incident has been registered at Mehar A-Section Police Station and while some arrests have been made, they demanded that the remaining suspects be taken into custody. The speakers said they are respectable businessmen and fear for their lives, warning that if any harm comes to them or their property the nominated accused would be responsible.
Meanwhile, Ali Akbar Mahesar, currently abroad, spoke through video link and said the rice mill belongs to him and had been leased to Qazi Naseer Mahesar. He stated that Nadeem Mahesar has no connection with the mill and should stop harassing Qazi Naseer and his family with armed men. He also alleged that Nadeem Mahesar owes him millions of rupees and is making false accusations to avoid repayment. He warned that if any harm comes to Qazi Naseer or his family, Nadeem Mahesar and others involved would be responsible.
According to police, a case regarding the alleged attack on Al-Makkah Rice Mill has been registered at Mehar A-Section Police Station on the complaint of mill manager Qazi Sarfaraz Mahesar. The FIR names Nadeem Mahesar, Shahid Mahesar, Sartaj Chandio, Hafeez Chandio and another suspect. The complainant alleged the accused arrived at the mill armed due to an ongoing dispute with the owner, issued threats and took away Rs300,000, demanding their arrest and justice.
Separately, journalist Raja Saleem Mahesar told media that a dispute over the rice mill was ongoing between his brothers and their brother-in-law Akbar Mahesar. He said his brothers Nadeem Mahesar, Shahid Mahesar and Sartaj Chandio had earlier held a press conference against those allegedly occupying the mill and the police. He claimed that later police registered a false case and called them for talks but instead detained him along with his two brothers.
He added that although his name is not included in the FIR, police still kept him in the lock-up and appealed to the IG Sindh to take notice and ensure a transparent investigation.
Reports said Mehar police had called Nadeem Mahesar, Shahid Mahesar and journalist Raja Saleem Mahesar for negotiations but later detained them. When contacted, SHO A-Section Tariq Lakhair denied involvement in the arrests but confirmed that a case has been registered, saying a dispute is ongoing between two groups and an investigation is underway.
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