Navratri Pandal Dispute Turns Violent in Vatva; Minor, Friend Allegedly Attacked

A dispute over the construction of a pandal for the Navratri festival at Radhe Om City in Ahmedabad’s Vatva area allegedly escalated into an assault on a minor and his friend on Sunday. The accused also allegedly waved a sword from an autorickshaw in front of the residential society, creating panic. Vatva police have registered a case against four people and initiated an investigation.

Govind Ramkumar Pandey, 45, an electrician residing at Radhe Om City near Vatva Ropda crossroads, said his 17-year-old son was helping other residents put up a pandal for Navratri when Sumit Marathi, a resident of the same society, allegedly approached him and began verbally abusing him.

When the minor objected to the language being used, an argument broke out. Govind Pandey came downstairs, following which Sumit initially left the spot. However, he allegedly returned shortly afterwards and assaulted the minor with punches and kicks. Local residents intervened and brought the situation under control.

Minor’s friend allegedly attacked during power outage

At around 8 pm, residents were again working on the pandal when the electricity supply suddenly went off. During this time, Sumit allegedly arrived and struck the minor’s friend, Rudra Rajput, on the back with a wooden stick.

Sumit and around three unidentified associates subsequently arrived in an autorickshaw and allegedly waved a sword in public outside the society before fleeing the scene.

After the incident was reported to the police control room, Vatva police registered a case against four people and initiated further legal proceedings.