Hooliganism in Gujarat appears to have escalated, as a minor dispute between a teenager and the son of a known bootlegger over a motorcycle accident took a violent turn in Surat’s Pipodara. 

Despite a police-mediated settlement, the bootlegger, accompanied by a mob of 15 to 20 armed accomplices wielding swords and spears, retaliated by setting fire to the teenager’s house.

Prince Singh, son of Govind Singh, and Aarti live at Parth Row House in Mangrol’s Pipodara, Surat.

Prince had gone to the medical store on Friday evening to buy medicine on his motorcycle. At that time, his bike hit the vehicle of Ritesh, who is the son of bootlegger Padmanabh Malik alias Rakesh Pakodo.

The two youngsters got into a verbal argument, leading to a fight, which was reported to Kosamba police. Police from Palod Chowki reached the spot and resolved the matter through a compromise between both parties, calming the situation. Govind Singh was informed about the incident by his son Prince. 

After the brief altercation between the boys, Rakesh showed up at Govind Singh’s house along with 15-20 men, around 10 pm.

The mob carried weapons including swords. They abused Govind and attacked him with a sword. The miscreants also attacked Prince, his two brothers and Aarti.

After the family managed to lock itself in the house, Rakesh and his miscreants set fire to Govind’s house and car.

A shop in Govind’s neighbourhood was also vandalised by the miscreants. 

Upon receiving information about the incident, Kosamba police arrived on the scene, and the mob dispersed.  

The injured Govind was taken to Kholvad Hospital for treatment by his employer Mitul Savaliya.  Regarding the incident, Kosamba police, based on Govind’s complaint, registered a case against Rakesh Pakoda and a mob of 15 to 20 individuals for forming an unlawful assembly with deadly weapons like swords, spears, sticks, and flammable liquids like petrol, and for carrying out a fatal attack.  

An investigation has been launched. The district police and LCB (Local Crime Branch) went to the scene at night and apprehended Rakesh along with Ankush Bansraj Singh.  During the investigation, Congress’ Srinath Bahera was also apprehended, and further searches are underway.

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