Patidars sought abduction accused’s release

SURAT: Several members of Patidar community gathered outside Chowk police station in the city on Tuesday to demand release of Bhupat Gabani, 50, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a 25-year-old married woman a few days ago. Gabani was later released on bail.
Gabani, a Patidar community leader, allegedly kidnapped the woman married to a Prajapati youth a year ago, on October 9. The woman was kidnapped for the second time in a year after marriage since her parents didn’t approve of it. She was earlier kidnapped by her parents and others from Katargam area of the city.

The crowd, which had gathered outside the police station, demanded Gabani be released immediately. Police officials discussed the issue with them and released Gabani on bail within the limits of the law. Police had arrested five accused, including Gabani on Monday. Both parents and two cousins of the woman were also arrested for kidnapping the woman on October 9 when she was going on a two-wheeler with her sister-in-law. The accused thrashed the woman and her sister-in-law and kidnapped her in a car.

“It was a peaceful representation by the community members. They immediately left after the accused was released on bail,” said a police officer at Chowk police station.

A group of Patidars had also rushed to Mahidharpura diamond market and tried to force traders to close their shops and offices. However, the police stopped them from doing this.