Mehsana poll season turns violent: BJP candidate’s nephew killed, four, including kin of Congress candidate, booked for murder

Poll tensions in Mehsana, Gujarat, turned violent after a 22-year-old man was killed and another injured in an alleged armed assault following a late-night clash near the Mehsana–Tawdia/Navdiya Chowkdi road, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Miten Rameshbhai Chaudhary, who is reported to be the nephew of a BJP candidate. The complainant, Dhimant Ranjitbhai Chaudhary, sustained injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment.

According to the FIR registered at Mehsana A Division Police Station, four persons have been named as accused Bharatbhai Madhubhai Chaudhary, Dhaval Bharatbhai Chaudhary, Yash Chaudhary and Mayur Dahyabhai Chaudhary, Police said Bharat Chaudhary is the husband of a Congress candidate contesting from Ward No. 4, and the other accused are his relatives. Additional unidentified accomplices have also been booked.

As per the complaint, the incident occurred at around 12.40 am on April 25, when the complainant and his associates had gathered near Tawdia Chowkdi after returning from a nearby village. The accused allegedly arrived in two vehicles a white Bolero and a white Innova and got into an argument with the complainant’s relative, Harsh Chaudhary.

The situation escalated after one of the accused allegedly slapped Harsh. When Miten and the complainant intervened, the group allegedly attacked them with sticks and sharp weapons.

Police said Dhaval Chaudhary allegedly struck Miten on the head with a stick, while another accused allegedly inflicted a blow with a sharp weapon on the back of his head. The complainant also alleged that he was assaulted with sticks and beaten on his limbs and body.

Both victims were rushed to a hospital on the Mehsana-Gandhinagar link road. While Dhimant was treated for injuries, Miten succumbed during treatment in the intensive care unit, police said.

The FIR states that the accused also allegedly damaged the victims’ car, breaking its windows and causing losses estimated at around ₹3,000, before issuing threats and fleeing.

Police have registered offences of murder, attempt to murder, rioting, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy, among others, under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The incident has added a political dimension, with the victim reportedly linked to a BJP candidate and the accused linked to a Congress candidate’s family. The killing has sparked tension in the city during the ongoing municipal election period.

Police officials said multiple teams have been formed to apprehend the accused. “We are conducting raids at various locations and will arrest the accused soon,” an officer said.

In view of the sensitive situation, heavy police deployment has been made in vulnerable areas of the city to prevent any untoward incidents. Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored.

The incident has triggered fear among residents and voters, with concerns rising over law and order during the election period.