The mob did not limit themselves to stone-pelting but also used weapons such as slingshots, sticks, and bows and arrows. The sudden attack caused chaos at the scene. The government team didn’t even have a chance to react.
गुजरात के पत्थरबाज, बनासकांठा में वन भूमि विवाद हुआ हिंसक, सरकारी टीम पर हमला, करीब 50 जवान घायल
The situation in Banaskantha district of Gujarat suddenly spiraled out of control when a long-standing land dispute involving the Forest Department in Padaliya village of Danta taluka turned violent. The situation deteriorated so rapidly on the afternoon of December 13th that government officials were forced to retreat to save their lives.
Violence Erupts Upon Arrival of Joint Team
According to reports, a joint team from the Forest Department, police, and revenue department arrived at the site to monitor nursery and plantation work being carried out on Forest Department land (Survey Number 9). A large number of local people had gathered there. Eyewitnesses say that a crowd of approximately 500 people was already present and launched a sudden attack as soon as the team arrived.
Stones, Bows and Arrows, and Sticks Used
The crowd did not limit themselves to stone-pelting but also used slingshots, sticks, and bows and arrows. The sudden attack caused chaos at the scene. The government team had no time to react and was attacked from all sides.
47 Officers and Employees Injured
A total of 47 officers and employees from the police and forest department were injured in the violent clash. Several personnel sustained serious injuries to their heads, hands, and legs. All the injured were immediately taken to Ambaji Government Hospital, where treatment continued late into the night.
Police Inspector in Critical Condition
The most serious injury was sustained by Ambaji Police Inspector R.B. Gohil. He suffered a deep head injury, and his condition worsened. After initial treatment, he was immediately referred to Palanpur with the help of the Local Crime Branch (LCB). According to doctors, his condition is being constantly monitored.
Tear Gas Proves Ineffective
To control the situation, the police fired tear gas shells, but this had the opposite effect. After the tear gas, the crowd became even more aggressive and intensified the attack. The situation became so dire that the police and forest department teams were forced to retreat.
The angry mob also targeted several government vehicles belonging to the police and forest department. First, there was heavy stone-pelting, and then vehicles were set on fire. Several vehicles were quickly reduced to ashes. The smoke and flames at the scene made the situation even more terrifying.
Heavy police deployment in the village
Following the incident, a large police force has been deployed in Padaliya village and the surrounding areas. Senior officers are present at the scene. Patrolling has been increased to maintain peace and order, and the entire area is under strict surveillance.
Attack suspected to be pre-planned
The administration says that the attack appears to have been pre-planned. A thorough investigation into the entire matter has been launched. The attackers are being identified based on video footage and other evidence. Officials have made it clear that the culprits will not be spared at any cost and strict legal action will be taken against them.
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