Row erupts over erection of gates at graveyard in Palanpur

PALANPUR: Tension prevailed in Palanpur on Monday following clash between people of two communities over erection of iron gates at Navrang Ali Pir graveyard on Sunday late evening.

Police have booked five persons and arrested one of them for assault, dacoity, trespassing, criminal intimidation and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The accused were booked following complaint by trustee of Navrang Ali Pir graveyard, Arif Abdulbhai Salat on Sunday.

According to Salat, five people identified as Ahok Purohit, Vijay Joshi, Dhaval Joshi and two unknown men smashed the gate of the graveyard, robbed digital video recorder and shattered the CCTV camera before thrashing the persons present at the graveyard.

Police said that the incident took place when the accused barged into the graveyard alleging that the construction including the gates being erected was being done without of the municipal authorities. They added that accused attacked the people at the graveyard and damaged the gate.

“We pacified the crowd explaining that they cannot take law and order in their hands,” said Banaskantha SP Pradip Sejul. “The situation is well under control. Police patrolling has been increased in the town,” he added.

Police have arrested Ashok Purohit and are collecting evidences against other accused who are yet to be arrested. Following Purohit’s arrest a large crowd had gathered outside the Palanpur (east) police station Sunday night demanding his immediate release.

Purohit sent to one day police custody by the court on Sunday, said police inspector PH Vasava of Palanpur (east) police station.