Guj CM expresses regret over cops crackdown at Patel's rally

Ahmedabad, Aug 25: Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel tonight expressed regret over the crackdown by police on agitating members of Patel community at GMDC ground here which led to detention of their leader Hardik Patel, and announced an inquiry into the incidents.

In her public message, Patel stated that she expressed regret over today's incidents and that her government will set up an inquiry to find out the truth behind them.

She also said that necessary action will be taken against those found guilty in the inquiry. Anandiben also appealed to maintain peace as members of Patel community resorted to violence over the issue across the city.

"My sincere appeal to the people of Gujarat to maintain peace and not to indulge in activities disrupting the law and order across the state," she said in her message.

The appeal as well as assurance to set up inquiry came in the wake of detention of Hardik in the evening. Police took away Hardik and his supporters after lathi-charging his over 2,000 supporters.

But the young leader's detention late in the evening led to an immediate backlash, as protesters gathered in large numbers at various cross-roads and attacked the police, pelted stones and set on fire public properties including buses at two places.

Protesters also tried to torch the house of Gujarat Minister of State of Home Rajni Patel in Mehsana, police said, adding that the fire did not cause much damage. Hardik was hastily released by the police seeing the mood of the community members.

PTI