Paldi neighbourhood clash over stray dog leaves three injured, four booked

A late-night dispute over a stray dog escalated into a violent clash between neighbours in Paldi on December 26, leaving three members of a family with minor injuries. Police have registered a case against four persons following a complaint filed at the Paldi Police Station.

The incident occurred around 10.15 pm outside a residence near Hanumanji Mandir in Paldi village. The complainant, Dhuvilbhai Vaghela, a computer operator, alleged that he was standing outside his house when a stray dog entered the premises. As he shouted to scare the dog away, a neighbour, Amratbhai Vaghela, allegedly confronted him with a stick and objected to his actions.

The verbal altercation soon turned physical, the FIR states. Dhuvilbhai alleged that Amratbhai abused him and attempted to strike him with a stick. In trying to ward off the blow, the complainant suffered a minor injury to his left elbow. Hearing the commotion, his parents, Prakashbhai and Gayatriben, came out of the house, following which the dispute widened.

Police said Amratbhai’s sons, Hiren and Keval, and his daughter, Dimple, also joined the fray. Hiren allegedly picked up a brick and attempted to hit the complainant, during which an electricity meter installed at the complainant’s house was damaged. Keval is accused of assaulting the complainant, while Dimple allegedly struck Gayatriben on her right leg with a stick, causing a minor injury.

The situation deteriorated as bricks were allegedly hurled, some of which fell on the roof of the complainant’s house. The police were alerted by the complainant’s mother, following which the assailants fled.

Dhuvilbhai, who lives with his parents, wife and younger brother, named Amratbhai Vaghela, Hiren Vaghela, Keval Vaghela and Dimple Vaghela, all residents of the same locality, are accused in the case.

Based on the complaint, Paldi police have registered offences under relevant sections of the BNS for assault, causing hurt and criminal intimidation and further inquiry is underway to record statements and assess property damage reported during the incident.