Court orders inquiry into police crackdown on Patels' rally

Ahmedabad, Aug 27: A local court will conduct an inquiry into police crackdown and alleged atrocities on supporters of Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel here on August 25 which left ten people dead.

"After hearing the submissions of complainant seeking actions against senior police officials, this court is of the view that to verify those allegations (of atrocities) and the court orders conduct of an inquiry under CrPC section 202," Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate R R Dave said in an order given yesterday.

The magistrate will conduct the probe. The court has admitted the complaint and posted it for recording of statement of the complainant on September 10.

The court acted on a complaint filed by a city -based activist Haresh Mehta who demanded legal action against the police officers. On August 25, Hardik held a mega rally at GMDC ground and later sat on hunger strike at the venue where the police opened fire on protesters who had gathered to support the quota agitation.

The complainant sought actions against the city Police Commissioner Shivanand Jha, joint CP R R Bhagat, police Inspector of Vastrapur, M M Shaikh, along with all other police personnel who were allegedly involved in the crackdown at the rally venue.

According to the complaint, police action provoked the members of Patel community leaders across Gujarat to take law into own their hands after the detention of Hardik Patel who is spearheading the agitation for reservation for Patels under OBC quota.

The complaint stated that it was absolutely illegal on the part of the police to damage CCTV cameras, put the lights off, break the railings and beat up the people including media persons.

PTI