Fifth Attempt to Disrupt Peace in Gujarat: Stone Pelting in Kheda Over Provocative Post

In the last seven days, attempts have been made to disrupt peace in the state for the fifth time. After Surat, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Kutch, an attempt to disturb peace has now been made in Mahudha, Kheda. Messages inciting communal discord were circulated on social media to spoil the atmosphere. A complaint was filed against those who posted on social media, following which a mob attacked the vehicle of youths returning home. Police worked hard to control the situation at night, and a strong police presence has been established in Kathlal and Mahudha to prevent any further tension.

Mob attacks youths returning after filing police complaint

In Kheda district, certain elements are working to break communal unity. A week ago, last Saturday, a dispute over vehicle overtaking led to clashes between two communities, holding the entire town of Kathlal hostage. The police resolved the issue, but last Saturday in Mahudha, two Instagram account holders posted inflammatory content. This led youths from Kathlal to file a complaint at the Mahudha police station. Late at night, as the youths were returning after filing the complaint, around 2,000 people gathered outside the police station. The police had to escort the complainant into their vehicle, but as their car moved ahead, the mob attacked it, causing damage.

We were attacked by a mob of 2,000 people – Complainant

In a complaint lodged by Dilip Singh Chauhan at the Mahudha police station, it was stated that he and his friends went to file a complaint at the Mahudha police station last night. The police had already detained the two Instagram account holders responsible for the provocative posts. Vikas Bhatt from Kathlal filed the complaint at the Mahudha police station against those who spread communal discord and disturbed public peace. As the complainant and his friends were returning in a WagonR car, a mob attacked them with the intent to kill, stoning them as they were approximately 250 meters away from Mahudha bus stand.

Three separate police complaints have been filed – SP

District Police Chief Rajesh Gadhiya told reporters that legal action was taken immediately in response to this violent attack. Three complaints were filed: one against those who posted provocative content on Instagram, another against the mob of over 100 people who attacked the complainant, and a third against individuals who snatched a mobile phone from a driver on the highway, claiming they were being filmed. Police have launched operations to identify and arrest suspects. Some individuals have already been detained to prevent further incidents. The situation is currently peaceful, with additional police called in to maintain order.

Fifth attempt to disrupt peace in seven days, from Surat to Kheda

Efforts have been ongoing in the past week to disturb Gujarat’s peace. After Surat, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Kutch, an attempt has now been made to disturb peace in Kheda.

Stone-pelting at a Ganesh pandal in Surat on September 8

On the night of Sunday, September 8, six teenagers arrived in a rickshaw and pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal in Saiyadpura, Surat. The situation escalated to the point where the police had to use tear gas and baton charges. Subsequently, 32 individuals were arrested.

Tension over religious flags in Vadodara

While Ganesh festivities are in full swing in Vadodara, there was an attempt to disrupt peace on Bhayli Road, Urban-7 Residency, on September 8, 2024, when an Arabic flag was hoisted on the terrace of the building. This led to widespread anger among residents. Local councilor Nitin Donga intervened and removed the flag, but additional flags were later hoisted on other buildings, which he also took down. The police arrived on the scene and resolved the matter.

Communal tension in Bharuch on September 11 over religious flags

In the Gokulnagar area of Bharuch West, Hindus and Muslims clashed over the placement of religious flags. Despite requests not to hang flags near each other’s homes, tensions flared, leading to violence between the two groups. District SP Mayur Chavda and a police force arrived on the scene, dispersed the crowd, and brought the situation under control.

Three minors desecrate a Ganesh idol in Kutch, following Surat’s pattern

In Kotda Jadodar village, Nakhatrana Taluka, three minors attempted to break a Ganesh idol by throwing stones at it, following a similar pattern to the Surat incident. The trunk of the idol was damaged but later repaired, and a green flag was hoisted at a nearby temple. A case was registered at Nakhatrana police station, and seven out of eight individuals were arrested.