Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The release of criminal Shahid Itarsi alias Shahid Ansari on bail on Monday night turned into a show of strength, with a large number of cars and motorcycles joining a convoy to welcome him outside Bhopal Central Jail.
The procession caused traffic congestion from Lalghati to VIP Road, causing inconvenience to commuters. A video of the convoy went viral on social media on Tuesday.
Ansari, who had been lodged in jail in connection with a shooting case, was released after being granted bail. A large number of supporters gathered outside the jail and accompanied him in a convoy that moved through the city at around 10 pm.
Ansari was seen waving to supporters from a car as the convoy proceeded towards VIP Road. A long queue of cars and motorcycles followed him, while supporters recorded videos of the procession.
The videos, which portrayed his release as a celebration, soon went viral on social media. The movement of the convoy slowed traffic along an eight-kilometre stretch, causing inconvenience to other commuters.
Ansari is suspected of shooting property dealer Shafi alias Hasan at Shalimar Apartments in Karbala under the Koh-e-Fiza police station limits in 2024.
Following the incident, police registered an attempt-to-murder case against Ansari and five of his associates. He was arrested and sent to jail. Police commissioner Sanjay Kumar said police took cognisance of the matter.
