According to the police, Shabbir had gone to watch `Sarfarosh' along with his family members, including women, when a group of youths sitting behind them reportedly teased the women. Shabbir, according to the police, asked the youths to sit properly and not disturb them, which provoked the youths to resort to violence.

After the show was over, Shabbir sent his family members home in an autorickshaw. As he had come on his scooter, he went to the parking lot to get his vehicle, and was assaulted by the youths.

According to the complaint filed by Shabbir's relative, Ikram Ibrahim Patel, one Raju took out a knife from his pocket and stabbed Shabbir on his chest and other parts of the body, while his other colleagues assaulted him with sticks.

However, the youths, in a counter-complaint, alleged that Shabbir and his family members had disturbed them by spitting on them, which led to the clashes.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, South, Mohan Jha, said that an inquiry had been ordered into the incident.