Dang observes bandh over Chikhli police station deaths

Surat: Complete bandh was observed in Dang district on Monday over deaths of two youths inside Chikli police station on July 21. All commercial activities came to standstill in the tribal district even as tourists struggled to find shops and restaurants open to get food or eatables. A group of young tribal activists staged a protest and demanded justice for the two youths.
The 19-year-olds, Sunil Pawar and Ravi Jadha, both a native of Dang, were found hanging in a room in the police station. They were picked up by the police as suspects in a motorcylce theft case.
So far four cops including police inspector Ajitsinh Vala, sub-inspector M B Kokni, head constable Shaktisinh Zala, and constable Ramji Yadav, have been suspended in connection with the case. No offence has been registered against the cops and investigation was being done by the deputy superintendent of police, Navsari, S G Rana. Police have so far registered a case of accidental death with regard to the two deaths.
“The investigation in the accidental death case is continuing and there is no time limit for the investigation. No other actions have been taken against the police officers yet,” said Rishikesh Upadhyay, superintendent of police, Navsari.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased duo was kept in a separate room and not in lock-up since they were not formally arrested. Meanwhile, police claim that they hanged themselves to the ceiling fan. “It is not allowed to keep any person locked in any other room except lock-up. A magisterial inquiry and a department inquiry are also being conducted against the responsible cops,” added Upadhyay. “The bandh call was given by the tribal community of Dang. We are demanding that the youth and their families get justice. Those responsible should be punished,” said Baburao Choriya, director, Adijati Vikas Board.
BJP MLA from Dang Vijay Patel too supported the bandh calling it an issue of tribal. “Entire district observed bandh and almost all commercial activities had remained closed. People want justice. I met the families and assured them of an in-depth investigation.”