In a garment vendor, Abu Shaikh, allegedly sparked the riot. Police sources told mid-day that Shaikh uploaded a video containing a provocative speech on Facebook, which allegedly led to the riots. Shaikh’s video became viral within two hours and garnered more than a million views. 

The MBVV police have arrested around 28 people involved in the January 22 riots across Mira Bhayandar and are identifying more accused with the help of videos and CCTV camera footage. Police said that Shaikh, who is in police custody, apologised for uploading the video that allegedly led to the riots.