In another case of fatal attack in public in Ahmedabad, one man was killed and another critically injured in an incident suspected to be linked to bootlegging.

The attack, which occurred on the night of November 17 near Rajwadi tea shop in Kagdapith sparked huge protests by residents outside the Kagdapith police station for alleged inaction.

The deceased, Alpesh Thakor, and his cousin Mahesh Thakor were ambushed by a gang wielding swords and iron rods.

Among the accused are Jignesh Sharma, Vishal Chunara, Viraj alias Billo Chunara, and a 17-year-old minor, all residents of Kantodiavas near Raipur Darwaja. Alpesh succumbed to his injuries shortly after being admitted to the hospital, while Mahesh is undergoing treatment for severe wounds.

Prelude to violence

The attack appears to have stemmed from a prior complaint lodged by Alpesh Thakor against Jignesh Sharma over a personal dispute.

According to the police, the main accused and his accomplices confronted Alpesh and Mahesh near the tea stall. An argument escalated into violence, with the accused launching a brutal assault with weapons.  

ACP Yuvrajsinh Gohil said, “The attackers conspired in advance to attack Alpesh, likely to be a retaliation for the complaint he filed two days ago. While two of the accused, including the minor, have been arrested, efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.”

Bootlegging angle under investigation 

Police sources revealed that Jignesh Sharma and his associates are suspected bootleggers with multiple prohibition-related cases registered against them.

Although the complaint filed by Alpesh was reportedly unrelated to bootlegging, authorities suspect that the incident may have deeper ties to illicit liquor trade activities in the area.  

“We are investigating every angle, including the bootlegging connection. So far, no direct prohibition-related complaints have been received from the victim or others in this matter,” said ACP Gohil.  

Protests erupt over police inaction  

The incident ignited outrage among residents. On Monday, hundreds of protestors, including the victim’s family, gathered at the Kagadapith police station, demanding stricter action against the bootleggers and accusing the police of negligence.

The protest turned tense, prompting police to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd after attempts to calm the situation failed.

To address public anger, Kagadapith Police Inspector S A Patel issued a written assurance to the protestors, pledging to enforce strict prohibition measures in the area. However, the move was seen by many as too little, too late.

Police inspector suspended

In a significant development, Ahmedabad Commissioner G S Malik ordered the suspension of Inspector S A Patel for failing to act promptly on Alpesh Thakor’s earlier complaint.