Rajkot: Factory owner injured in firing in clash over Rs 35,000

RAJKOT: A factory owner suffered two bullet injuries while his rival, also owner of a manufacturing unit, suffered a leg fracture when two groups clashed over recovery of Rs 35,000 in Virani Agahat industrial area of Rajkot late on Saturday night.
Bhaktinagar police booked a dozen people, six each from both groups, for rioting, attempt to murder and other sections of the Indian Penal Code. They arrested six persons belonging to the two groups.
Keyur Lunagariya (32) was shot thrice alleged by Chirag Pokia (26) from his licenced pistol. Police said that Keyur suffered two bullet injuries and was admitted to a private hospital in Rajkot. Chirag, who was thrashed by the rival group suffered a fracture in his leg and is under treatment at a private hospital, said police.
According to case details, Chirag’s friend Vatsal got married in May. The marriage decoration was done by Keyur’s cousin Pratik Topiya while the bridal makeup and of other relatives was taken care of by Pratik’s fiance Krishna Gondaliya. However, Gondaliya was not paid Rs 35,000 which she had sought for her services.
Police said that Gondaliya asked Pratik to get her due payment. Pratik called up Vatsal and abused him over the phone, which the latter told Chirag and his friends.
On Saturday night, Chirag, Vatsal and four others reached Virani Agahat industrial area where Pratik’s manufacturing unit is located.
Meanwhile, Pratik too was ready to face Chirag and Vatsal. He had called Keyur and four other friends at his factory.
As soon as Vatsal and Chirag arrived, Pratik and his friends attacked them with sticks and iron rods. While they were thrashing him, Chirag pulled out his licenced pistol and fired at Keyur and others. Two bullets hit Keyur while a third one did not hit anyone.
Police inspector L L Chavda of Bhaktinagar police said that both the groups registered cross complaints and based on these, cops have arrested three persons from each group.