Arson at Godhra police chowki: 24 arrested so far, police on lookout for influencer who ‘instigated’ mob

The Panchmahal district police are on the lookout for the prime accused, social media influencer Zakir Jabba, who allegedly instigated the mob.

District Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat told The Indian Express that probe has revealed that Jabba “spread a rumour” that he had been assaulted by the police, and allegedly incited members of his community to take to the streets.

“Jabba is a prime accused in the FIR lodged in the case. Police had called him to caution him against posting any inflammatory content on social media during the ongoing festive period, but he went around spreading a false message that he had been called to the police station and was tortured because he had made a post in praise of his religion. This is completely untrue… He instigated the mob to take to the streets and indulge in violence and has been untraceable. A manhunt has been launched to nab him,” Dudhat said.

On Monday, the 21 people arrested on Sunday in connection with the case were produced before a court, which sent them to judicial custody. They were transferred to Dahod and Rajpipla jails, Dudhat said.

The three persons arrested on Monday will be produced before court on Tuesday, he added.

The incident took place in the intervening night of Saturday when members of a community gathered outside Godhra B Division police station and allegedly indulged in rioting, vandalism, and arson at another police chowki, setting on fire the furniture and causing damage to official documents in protest against the rumour that the police had “tortured” Jabba.

Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob.