Armed mob storms Patan farmhouse; police retreat, 13 personnel suspended

An armed mob attacked a farmhouse in Ziliya village of Chanasma taluka in Patan district late on March 15, vandalising property and forcing police to retreat amid stone pelting, officials said. Thirteen police and GRD personnel have been suspended for alleged negligence.

Mob attack triggers panic

According to the complaint, around 15–20 individuals armed with swords, sickles, sticks and stones stormed the farmhouse at about 11.45 pm, damaging the gate and boundary walls. They allegedly abused and threatened those present before fleeing.

Police were alerted through the 112 helpline and reached the spot, but withdrew as the situation escalated. Additional force was later deployed.

Radhanpur DYSP Paresh Renuka said that while police deployment was under way, “around six vehicles carrying armed individuals arrived and started stone pelting, damaging police vehicles.”

Complaint and CCTV footage outline sequence

The complaint was filed by Ronakkumar Dinubhai Desai, a livestock inspector posted in Patan and a resident of Ziliya village. He said he was informed about the attack over the phone.

When he visited the farmhouse the next morning, he found damage to the gate and walls.

CCTV footage shows around 20 individuals arriving in eight vehicles, armed with weapons, pelting stones and issuing threats.

Three detained, probe points to dispute

Police have registered two complaints and detained three individuals so far, identified as Jitubha from Mudetha village, Jahubha from Vamaya village, and Dalpuji.

Preliminary investigation suggests the attack may be linked to a personal dispute involving Bhavesh Baldev Desai, reportedly connected to disagreements over temple fund collection.

Police personnel suspended

Authorities have suspended 13 personnel, including Police Inspector R H Solanki, Sub-Inspector Harish Arjanbhai, and Head Constable Sanjaykumar Mohanlal, along with other police staff and five Gram Rakshak Dal personnel on duty.

Further investigation is under way.