Vadodara: A message forwarded on a chat application in connection with the hate crimes against non-Gujaratis in north Gujarat kept the Godhra police on the toes on Saturday. The message circulating since Friday had stated that those receiving it should gather at Bhuravav in Godhra at 11am on Saturday. It stated that those coming should bring along swords, sickles and sticks. It even gave the call for a Godhra ‘bandh’ on Saturday.
However, it came to light that the message was a hoax and no such extreme agitation had been planned. The police remained alert and cops were posted at Bhuravav to ensure that no assembly took place there. But nobody came in the area and it became evident that the message was a hoax. Despite this, the police remained vigilant till the evening.
Police officials said that attempts were being made to identify the source of the message. However, no offence was registered regarding the message till Saturday evening. Late in the night rumours kept the police on tenterhooks in Halol town and Madhvas as well as Baska villages in the district where industries are located. Groups of residents here had gathered on the streets after rumours regarding residents of UP or local Gujarati residents being targeted. tnn
