Gujarat BJP minority leader, son killed in clash; 2 held

Rajkot, Aug 23: BJP's minority cell leader in Gujarat Iliyas Khan Pathan and his son were allegedly killed in a clash with a rival group here, police said today.

Two persons have been arrested in this connection, they said. While Iliyas, who is also a national member of Haj committee, was returning home last night when a group of his business rivals -- led by one Abbas Kachara -- attacked him with sharp weapons and fired at him in Subhash Nagar area of the city, they said.

"Pathan's two sons Akbar and Asif rushed to rescue him. However, the two were also injured in the attack," Gandhigram police station inspector R R Solanki said.

"The trio was rushed to Wockhardt hospital where Iliyas and his younger son Asif died during treatment. His elder son Akbar's condition was reported to be stable," he said.

Kachara was also injured in the clash and rushed to Sterling hospital, police said. An old business rivalry was stated to be the reason behind the clash, they said.

Security has been stepped up in the area to avoid any further flare-up, the police officer said. A complaint has been filed against Kachara, police said.

Kachara too has lodged a complaint against Iliyas' son Akbar Pathan, they said. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, but police has so far not revealed their identities.

PTI