Mumbai is fast gaining the notoriety of being the crime capital of India – soon to leave Delhi far behind, as seven men brutally attacked a property agent with knives and swords near Thakur Maidan Chowk in Jogeshwari (E) on Friday.

According to sources, the chief culprit wanted to punish the victim for 'betraying' him in an arms possession case.

The injured, identified as Shabir Khan (45), is in a serious state at the Sion Hospital. The main culprit’s uncle has been detained, while the Meghwadi police have launched a manhunt for others.

Khan was near the Thakur Maidan chowk around 8 pm, when he was pounced on by seven men equipped with sticks, knives and swords. In spite of there being many people in the locality, they thrashed Khan ruthlessly. By the time the police were intimated and they reached the spot, the attackers had fled. Khan was later hurried to the hospital.

The police with great difficulty recorded grievously injured Khan's statement, and accordingly, late in the night, Mayuddin Khan alias Mayu, uncle of the main accused Javed, was arrested. The police are interrogating him to get the whereabouts of Javed.

"We believe Javed attacked Khan to seek revenge for betraying him. Javed was earlier arrested by the crime branch in a case of arms possession," revealed Santosh Bhandare, senior inspector.