Nagpur: A 26-year-old assistant civil engineer with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) was allegedly assaulted and threatened with a knife while carrying out an anti-encroachment action in Sitabuldi on Sunday evening. Police arrested a 26-year-old hawker in connection with the incident.

The accused has been identified as Mohammad Aman Iftekhar Ahmed (26), a resident of Mominpura, Nagpur.

According to the complaint registered at Sitabuldi Police Station, the complainant, Mahesh Arjun Patil (26), works as an assistant civil engineer in the NMC’s Encroachment Department. His duties include monitoring unauthorised constructions and taking action against unauthorised hawkers and roadside stalls.

Police said Patil was conducting an anti-encroachment drive with his staff on the main road in Nagpur Market, in front of Fashion World, around 7.30 pm on July 26. During the action, the team allegedly found a stall operated by the accused.

When Patil allegedly asked the hawker for his name and address and sought his licence, the accused reportedly said that he did not have one. As the area was designated a no-hawker zone, the civic team began removing goods from the stall.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly became aggressive and assaulted Patil with his hands and fists, including allegedly punching him on the head. He allegedly abused the civic official and threatened him.

The situation reportedly escalated when the accused allegedly picked up a knife and chased Patil. Police personnel accompanying the civic team immediately intervened and caught hold of the accused.

Based on Patil’s complaint, Sitabuldi police registered a case under Sections 132, 115(2), 296, 352 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, for allegedly obstructing a public servant in the discharge of his duties, assault, abuse and threats.

Police are conducting further investigation into the incident.