Daijiworld Media Network - Patan
Patan, Mar 19: A violent clash triggered by a dispute over temple donations in Chanasma taluka has snowballed into a major controversy after visuals showed police personnel retreating from the spot, allowing an armed mob to run amok.
The incident took place on the night of March 15, when around 15–20 men arrived in multiple vehicles and stormed a farmhouse belonging to Bhavesh Desai. Armed with swords, sticks, and other sharp weapons, the group vandalised the property, issued threats, and created panic in the area.
CCTV footage of the attack, now widely circulated, shows the mob damaging gates and ransacking the premises. Names of alleged accused, including Jitubha, Jahubha, Dalpuji, and prime suspect Jahu Shankar Thakor, have surfaced during the investigation.
What has drawn widespread criticism is the conduct of the police. Two police vans were reportedly present at the scene but left as the situation escalated, allowing the mob to continue unchecked. The attackers even allegedly damaged a police vehicle before dispersing.
The footage triggered public outrage, shifting focus from the attackers to the role of law enforcement.
Under mounting pressure, Gujarat Police launched a crackdown, forming multiple teams and conducting raids that led to the arrest of 18 accused. Two FIRs were registered—one based on the complaint of Bhavesh Desai and another regarding damage to a police vehicle.
In a controversial turn, the arrested men were paraded through the streets from the Chanasma police station to the bus stand with ropes tied around their hands. Eyewitnesses said the accused were made to perform sit-ups and were beaten with sticks as they pleaded for forgiveness.
The police also took the accused back to the farmhouse to recreate the crime scene before producing them in a court in Patan, which remanded them to police custody till March 23.
Following the backlash, the Patan Superintendent of Police suspended three officers and five personnel from the Chanasma police station, including Police Inspector R H Solanki, ASI Haresh Arjanbhai, and head constable Sanjay Mohanlal. Additionally, five GRD personnel were removed from service.
Investigators are now working to trace the weapons and vehicles used in the attack, even as the incident raises serious concerns over both mob violence and police conduct.