Bhavnagar Clash During Navratri: Police Book 24 People After Stone-Pelting, Sword Attack and Vandalism

Police have registered a case against 24 people following clashes between two groups over an old enmity in Krishna Society, Kumbharwada, Bhavnagar, where swords, sticks and stones were allegedly used during incidents on October 16 and 18.

The clashes took place in Krishna Society on Nari Road during the Navratri festival. The violence reportedly led to damage to houses, fences, electricity meters and household belongings. Police launched an investigation using CCTV footage despite both groups initially attempting to settle the dispute privately.

The incidents stemmed from an old dispute involving Akshay alias Bhuvo, and Ketan Makwana. A gathering to resolve the disagreement on the night of October 16 reportedly turned violent, leading to vandalism and a confrontation between the two groups.

House, Fence and Household Items Damaged in Second Incident

The situation escalated again late on October 18, when Pravin alias Dawood and his associates allegedly attacked the house of Bavchandbhai Rathod in retaliation for the earlier dispute.

During the incident, the accused allegedly damaged the house, its fence, the electricity meter and household goods. Stone-pelting was also reported during the clashes, with damage to residential properties raising concerns about public order in the area.

The incidents involved allegations of people using weapons, including swords and sticks, during the confrontation. The dispute was reportedly rooted in personal enmity between members of the two groups. 

Both Groups Initially Refuse to File Police Complaint

Following the clashes, members of both groups attempted to reach a social settlement. They initially refused to lodge a police complaint, seeking to resolve the dispute between themselves.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Prithviraj Singh Gohil of Bortalav Police Station took up the matter and examined CCTV footage from the area to identify those allegedly involved in the incidents.

The footage helped police identify individuals from both groups. A case was subsequently registered against 24 people under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Gujarat Police Act.

The individuals named in the police account include Bavchand Jasabhai Rathod, Bhola Danabhai Rathod, Babu Bhurabhai Rathod, Jaga Sondabhai Rathod, Bharat Punabhai Rathod, Kana Gelabhai Rathod, Gopal Rahabhai Rathod, Bharat Sondabhai Rathod and Bhopa Sondabhai Rathod.

Others identified include Karan Bhopabhai Rathod, Meet Bavchandbhai Rathod, Kartik Nanabhai Rathod, Ila Dhudhabhai Rathod, Pravin alias Dawood Hirabhai Rathod, Ashok alias Kadi Bhupatbhai Makwana, Dharmesh alias Dhamo Nareshbhai Gajjar and Kalpesh Nareshbhai Gajjar.

The police account also names Devendra alias Devo Rajput, Molu, Gautam alias Pilot Rameshbhai Rathod, Ajay Dhanji Jadav, Chirag alias Chiklo, Yogesh Jagabhai Parmar and Kishan Chavda.

Police have initiated legal proceedings against those named in connection with the incidents. Further investigation is underway into the clashes, the alleged use of weapons and the damage caused to residential properties.