RAJKOT: Seven persons were injured after a
clash broke out between two communities in Gundala village of Mundra taluka in Kutch district over a petty issue late night on Monday. Of the seven injured, four are from the upper caste Ahirs and three are from Dalit community. Both communities have lodged counter complaints with the Mundra Marine police station.
Police said the the fight had erupted four days ago when youths from both communities entered into a scuffle over riding a
bike. The matter was resolved then, but it resurfaced on Monday evening following an altercation over a similar issue.
A group from the Ahir community, armed with pipes, swords and sticks barged into the Harijan Vas and Maheshwari Vas in the village and attacked Shivji Sondara and his family. They also ransacked his house and damaged three bikes parked outside. The Ahirs were led by Gundala village sarpanch Jayesh Ahir who was carrying his licensed gun. On hearing about the attack, members of the Dalit community also came out in large numbers escalating the violence. Police was called in to control the situation.
Mundra Marine PSI D M Zala said that an SRP company has been deployed at the village. “Both communities have lodged complaints against each other. Based on the complaints, we have booked 13 people from the Ahir community for rioting, under the Arms Act as well as under the SC/ST Atrocity Act. While 10 persons from Dalit community have also been booked for rioting and causing hurt,” said Zala.
The injured being treated at a hospital