The Muslim News

Muslim leaders detained after shooting

19-03-2003

BY NIC RIDLEY

Leicester Mercury:

Religious leaders called for calm after an armed raid at the home of a prominent Muslim brought hundreds of people on to the streets.

Armed officers raided a house in Hartington Road, Highfields, yesterday and arrested six men in connection with an attempted murder. Among the men were four sons of respected religious leader Muhammad Gora Pirbhai. One of the sons is understood to be Riyadh Ul Haq, imam of the Central Mosque in Birmingham.

Four of the six arrested men were transferred to West Midlands police for questioning. Two have since been released on police bail.

Officers in Birmingham are questioning two other men in connection with an attempted murder in Small Heath, Birmingham.

The operation in Highfields led to protests at the use of so many officers and dog handlers. Hundreds of people filled the streets. Suleman Nagdi, of the Federation of Muslim Organisations, who works as a liaison between Leicestershire police and the community, confirmed four of the men were imams of a mosque and were the sons of Muhammad Gora Pirbhai.

Mr Nagdi said: "At the time of the arrests, there were a lot of strong feeling in the area because it happened at the house of a respected man.

"Imams from other mosques called for calm when there was the chance things would get out of control.

"The police are respecting their religious needs while they are in custody. I have spoken to the police and they said that no charges have been made.

"Police are continuing to work well with the Muslim community over this incident.

"In the meantime, we would appeal for calm from all sections of the community, to allow the police to carry out their investigations unhindered."

This morning, Mr Pirbhai, speaking through a translator, said: "We strongly object to these men being arrested and we are confident they will be released without charge."

He declined to comment further.

Community spokesman Ismail Patel accused police of being heavy handed at the start of the operation.

Superintendent Kevin Burrows, of Leicestershire Police, said the force had been anxious to keep community leaders fully informed.

"Liaison with community leaders was one of the force's first priorities. If people have concerns about our action, then they can contact us and their concerns will be thoroughly looked into," he said.

The raid in Leicester was carried out at the request of West Midlands officers.

Police were questioning the men in connection with a double shooting in Birmingham on Monday night, which left a man fighting for his life.

Officers said shots were fired after an argument between two groups of men.

A 31-year-old man was shot in the head and a 34-year-old man was wounded in the shoulder.

West Midlands Police said the motive for the shooting was unclear but there was nothing to suggest it was drug-related and they suspected it was result of a row between rival groups.

The Muslim News
http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/news/news.php?article=4465