Mira Bhayandar: YouTuber’s Son Brutally Attacked for Exposing Illegal Market Operations

Mira Road, May 27 – A shocking incident in Mira Road has sparked widespread concern over rising criminal intimidation, after Kaif Aftab Khan, the 19-year-old son of local YouTuber Aftab Khan, was violently attacked in broad daylight for allegedly exposing illegal market operations in the area.

Kaif, who was en route to a salon with a friend, was assaulted in Narsing Home Gully, falling under the jurisdiction of the Naya Nagar Police Station. The incident unfolded when he tried to maneuver past a tempo causing a traffic jam. Kaif reportedly confronted a group of individuals unloading goods illegally in the middle of the road—an act linked to unauthorized market activities. The situation escalated when Kaif, acting in self-defense, slapped one of the men, prompting a violent retaliation by a group of assailants.

According to his father, Aftab Khan—who runs the YouTube channel City Headline News—the assault was not a random act of violence but a targeted attack, driven by his journalistic work in exposing the local mafia. Aftab had recently released videos highlighting illegal extortion and the control of hawkers by criminal elements in Mira Road, naming individuals such as Peshnawaz alias ‘Sonu Mental’, who is allegedly involved in extortion, harassment, and drug trafficking in the area."My son was attacked because I chose to speak out. We’ve been living in fear ever since I reported on these unlawful operations," said Aftab Khan in a media statement.

The attackers reportedly included Sonu Mental, a figure with a long criminal history. Police sources confirm that multiple cases are registered against him in local stations, and a proposal to extern him from the area was submitted as early as 2021—yet remains unexecuted.

Following the attack, Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police Commissioner Madhukar Pandey has called for swift and strict action. The Naya Nagar Police have filed a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of attempted murder. A full-scale manhunt is underway to trace and apprehend all suspects involved.

The brutal assault has raised serious concerns over the safety of citizens and journalists who attempt to expose organized crime. Local residents have expressed alarm over the growing influence of criminal syndicates in Mira Road, particularly in areas like Narsing Home Gully, which are fast becoming hubs for illicit activity.

Law enforcement authorities have assured the public that stringent action will be taken, and steps are being initiated to strengthen security and surveillance in high-risk zones. Community leaders are calling for enhanced police visibility, crackdown on illegal encroachments, and the immediate arrest of those behind the attack.

As the investigation progresses, the spotlight remains on the need for systemic reforms, better protection for whistleblowers, and a resolute stance against criminal elements threatening the peace and safety of local communities.