Violence Mars Religious Procession in Ahmedabad's Sardarnagar Area
A peaceful religious celebration turned violent in Ahmedabad on Friday evening when a 37-year-old businessman was brutally attacked during a procession in the Sardarnagar locality. The incident left multiple participants injured, with some requiring extensive medical treatment including numerous stitches.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Attack
According to the police complaint filed at Airport police station, the trouble began when community members joined a religious procession traveling on tempos from Naroda Patiya. The celebratory group reached Ambawadi Circle where participants were dancing as part of the festivities.
The initial confrontation occurred around 9pm when, according to the complainant, "an unknown man slapped my friend without any reason." When the youth confronted the man and asked why he had been slapped, an argument erupted. The accused reportedly left the spot temporarily but later returned as the procession continued forward, reigniting the dispute.
Brutal Assault Near Pumping Station
The situation escalated dramatically after the ceremonial immersion of the sacred flame near the river. As some participants began heading home on two-wheelers, they were intercepted near a pumping station and temple along their route.
"Three unknown men on a white two-wheeler kicked our vehicle and forced us to stop," stated the 37-year-old complainant. Despite pleas from the victims that they had done nothing wrong and requests to be allowed to leave, the attackers became increasingly aggressive.
One assailant allegedly produced a wooden stick and struck the businessman on the head, while the other two began beating him with iron knuckle weapons. The violence intensified when two additional men arrived from behind armed with an iron pipe and a knife, attacking another youth and causing significant head and leg injuries. A third person who attempted to intervene was also assaulted.
Medical Treatment and Police Investigation
The injured were promptly transported to a private hospital in Naroda Patiya for emergency medical attention. The police complaint revealed the severity of the injuries, with one victim requiring seven stitches and another needing a staggering 27 stitches to close their wounds.
Ahmedabad police have registered the complaint and launched a comprehensive investigation into the violent incident. Authorities are examining all available evidence and witness statements to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for disrupting the religious celebration with such brutal violence.
The attack has raised concerns about security during public religious gatherings in the city, with community members calling for increased police presence during such events to prevent similar incidents in the future.
