Bhavnagar (Valabhipur, Gujarat): Tensions flared in Bhavnagar district after an elderly Patidar farmer was brutally attacked in Kalektalav village under Valabhipur taluka. The incident occurred during the monsoon season, reportedly over a dispute concerning farm boundaries and mud-filling work in a wadi (orchard).
The victim, identified as Arjanbhai Deora, was allegedly assaulted by three individuals wielding sticks. According to witnesses, the attackers hurled abuses before beating the farmer. The matter quickly escalated as a video of the assault surfaced on social media, sparking outrage within the Patidar community.
Viral Video Ignites Public Outrage
Within hours of the incident, footage of the attack began circulating online. The viral clip prompted widespread condemnation from members of the Patidar community, with many demanding swift police action.
Valabhipur Police confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged and that they have begun an investigation. Officials stated that the viral video is being examined as key evidence. However, as of now, no arrests have been reported.
Mass Coordination Meeting in Surat
In response to the incident, the Patidar Seva Sangh convened an urgent coordination meeting in Surat. The gathering, attended by over 2,000 Patidars, included several community leaders who expressed deep concern over the attack.
During the meeting, speakers stressed the need for justice, emphasizing that attacks on farmers, especially elders, must be dealt with firmly to deter future violence.
Following the meeting, a convoy of over 100 cars left Surat for Kalektalav village in Bhavnagar to show solidarity with the victim’s family. Community members described the journey as a symbolic protest, aimed at sending a clear message to authorities that such assaults will not be tolerated.
Public Gathering in Kalektalav
By late afternoon, hundreds of Patidars had gathered in Kalektalav for a public meeting at 5 PM. The assembly called for the immediate arrest of the culprits and demanded that strict legal action be taken against them.
Community representatives also pressed the administration to implement measures preventing similar incidents in the future. They argued that recurring disputes over farmland boundaries and monsoon damage must be addressed through dialogue and legal channels, not violence.
Also read: Bhavnagar:भावनगर में भाजपा उपाध्यक्ष पर हमला तीन आरोपी गिरफ्तार, एक फरार
Police Statement and Next Steps
Valabhipur Police officials assured the public that the investigation is moving swiftly. They confirmed that multiple teams have been deployed to trace the accused and that strong legal action will follow.
“We are treating this case with utmost seriousness. The viral video is part of the investigation, and the accused will face strict punishment under the law,” a senior police officer stated.
Background of the Dispute
Locals say disputes over farm sheds and pond banks are common during the rainy season when heavy water flow erodes boundaries. In this case, tensions reportedly escalated after disagreements on filling mud along the broken edges of the field.
Community elders have urged both sides to resolve such disputes peacefully to maintain harmony in rural areas.