The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested two individuals involved in the vandalism of Dr BR Ambedkar's statue in Khokhra. The incident, which took place in the early hours of December 23, 2024, saw the statue being damaged with stones by a group of five individuals. The arrested suspects, identified as Mehul Thakor and Bhola Thakor, are residents of Jugal Das Ni Chali near Idgah Circle. Meanwhile, three others Mukesh, Chetan, and Jayesh remain at large, and efforts to apprehend them are underway.

According to the police, the accused damaged the statue located outside Jayantilal Vakil Ni Chali, opposite KK Shastri College in Khokhra, at around 3.30 am on December 23. The suspects, riding on two two-wheelers, allegedly targeted the statue as part of a long-standing dispute with the Nadia community.

Extensive Investigation 

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal revealed that the crime was meticulously investigated, involving the examination of over 1,000 CCTV cameras in the area. The five suspects were identified through the footage, and a team of *20 officers* was assigned to track them down.  

The arrested individuals, Mehul and Bhola, will be handed over to the Khokhra Police for further interrogation. The police are intensifying efforts to locate the remaining three accused.

Background of the Incident

As per initial findings, the accused have had a long-standing feud with the Nadia community since 2018. This dispute had earlier resulted in cross FIRs being filed, with Jayesh, one of the fugitives, being a key figure in the previous cases. The Crime Branch suspects that the vandalism was an extension of this ongoing conflict.  

JCP Sharad Singhal stated, “The accused were involved in a previous altercation with the Nadia community, and the damage to the statue seems to stem from that history. Further details will emerge following the interrogation of the arrested individuals.”  

The Khokhra Police are now leading the investigation, and updates are expected as more evidence and testimonies come to light.