A violent confrontation erupted in Bengaluru’s Chamarajpet area on Saturday night, leaving a police constable and another man injured, after a former murder convict assaulted his ex-wife’s family and attacked a responding officer.

The incident occurred around 9:30 pm in Valmiki Nagar, where Tabrez Pasha, also known by his alias “Chor Tabrez,” had gone to confront his former spouse Muskan, who has since remarried. Tabrez, accompanied by his brother and two other individuals, reportedly initiated an argument with Muskan and her new husband outside her mother’s residence, which escalated into a physical brawl.

The dispute turned dangerous when Head Constable Santosh, who happened to be eating at a nearby restaurant, was informed of the commotion and rushed to intervene. Despite being off-duty, he attempted to stop the fight, but was violently assaulted.

“After the fight broke out, Head Constable Santosh tried to stop it. The accused assaulted him and escaped with his accomplices,” said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), West Division.

In the scuffle, Tabrez allegedly slashed Santosh’s wrist with a sharp object before fleeing with the three others. Mohammad Shafiullah, Muskan’s maternal uncle who was visiting her at the time, was also injured while trying to break up the fight. The officer was bleeding heavily, and witnesses immediately called for emergency assistance.

A patrol unit from Hoysala responded quickly, arranging transportation for both injured men to a hospital. Doctors later confirmed that neither wound was life-threatening, and both Santosh and Shafiullah are recovering under medical supervision.

All Suspects Arrested by Police

By midnight, all four suspects — Tabrez, his brother Abrez, Salman Pasha, and a teenage boy — were apprehended following a swift manhunt. Surveillance footage and local intelligence helped police track down the attackers. The juvenile was placed in a correctional facility, while the other three were taken into custody.

The accused face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including:

• Section 117: Voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant,

• Section 109: Attempt to murder,

• Section 353: Assault on a public servant.

During interrogation, Tabrez reportedly admitted to harboring resentment over Muskan’s remarriage, which led him to confront her. Authorities also revealed this was not the first time Tabrez had caused disturbances at her home.

The violent episode has sparked concern among residents and within the police department. Officials from the Chamarajpet station praised Constable Santosh for stepping in without hesitation, despite being unarmed and off-duty. Recommendations for a bravery award are reportedly in progress.

“This kind of incident shows the risks police officers face — even when they’re off the clock. Santosh’s actions likely prevented further harm,” said a senior police official.

Locals described the neighbourhood as generally peaceful and expressed shock at the public nature of the attack. Police are urging the public to report domestic tensions early before they spiral into violence.

Officials also stated that counseling services and stricter preventive measures — such as restraining orders — need to be better enforced in such domestic matters. Awareness campaigns are expected to be rolled out in Valmiki Nagar and other nearby areas.

Constable Santosh is expected to return to duty within the next two weeks, while investigators are working to finalise the charge sheet. Authorities are considering fast-tracking the case due to the serious nature of the assault on a public servant.