10 arrested for clashes between Maliwads,Patels in Panchmahals

According to Circle Police Inspector of Khanpur village,N B Parmar who is now investigating the case,the situation is under control and requires routine patrolling.

“We have arrested 10 persons over the charges of damaging life and property. Their identity is withheld at the moment for their safety,” said Parmar. He said police had to resort to firing and burst four teargas shells to disperse the crowd.

Meanwhile,tribal leaders said the issue has been politicized by those who are least bothered about delivering justice to Vira Maliwad whose 13-year-old daughter was found hanging from a tree inside the farm of one Dayabhai Patel.

“It was delayed action by police which lead to the incident. The incident happened eight days ago. Police kept saying they were waiting for the post mortem report of the girl,” said Adivasi Sangharsh Samiti President,Dr Harshad Maliwad. He said some unscrupulous elements of the village turned both the communities — Patels and Maliwads — against each other.

On the other hand,Bakor Police officers patrolling the area said at some places,tribals had placed stones on the roads to prevent police and district officials from entering Mokansinh Na Bhevada. According to the police FIR,one Hitesh Patel has alleged that Vira Maliwad and 77 others,including 53 men and 27 women – all belonging to Maliwad community – attacked his house and set three neighbouring houses of Patel community on fire. Police said as per the complaint,goods worth at least Rs 10 lakh were destroyed in the incident.

Parmar said for security reasons,the identity of the 10 arrested persons will not be divulged till the issue is resolved. However,Vira Maliwad,against whom Hitesh Patel and others have lodged the complaint,has not been arrested,he said. Police said he was taken only for questioning.

“Vira is an eyewitness. But the other 10 who have been arrested were part of rioting and looting,” said Parmar.

Hira has accused Dayabhai and Hitesh for raping and murdering his 13-year-old daughter.

According to sources,Dayabhai Patel and Vira Maliwad are members of the Lunawada taluka panchayat and are members of Bhartiya Janata Party.