Civic body’s demolition notice of masjid triggers clash in Gujarat, one dead
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Ahmedabad: A clash erupted in the Junagadh district of Gujarat over a demolition notice for a Mosque, resulting in the death of an elderly man. The incident occurred on Friday night when a mob gathered at Geban Shah Masjid near Majewadi gate in response to a notice issued by the Junagadh Municipal Corporation.
According to Junagadh Superintendent of Police (SP) Ravi Teja Vasamsetty, the preliminary investigation suggests that the civilian man died due to stone pelting, although the exact cause of death awaits confirmation from the post-mortem report. However, Junagadh Range Inspector General M.A. Chavada confirmed later that the 62-year-old civilian was an innocent bystander and not part of the mob that initiated the violence.
The incident originated from the issuance of notices by the Junagadh Municipal Corporation to the Geban Shah Masjid near Majewadi gate on June 14, stating that relevant papers needed to be submitted within five days. On June 16, a large gathering of nearly 500-600 people assembled near the gate, expressing their discontent over the demolition notices.
The Junagadh Municipal Corporation issued a notice on June 14 demanding relevant papers of the mosque within five days with a warning of demolition upon failing to submit. On June 16, a large gathering of nearly 500-600 people assembled near the gate, expressing their discontent over the demolition notices.
Multiple police units, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), staff members, Police Inspectors (PI), and Police Sub-Inspectors (PSI), were present at the site attempting to engage with the crowd and defuse the situation. Despite prolonged deliberations and efforts to remove roadblocks erected by the protesters, the atmosphere grew increasingly hostile.
Around 10:15 pm, a few stones were hurled at the police, and the mob began advancing towards them, accompanied by loud sloganeering. To disperse the crowd and restore order, the police resorted to a lathi charge.
Additionally, tear gas shells and dye marker grenade shells were deployed to manage the situation. During the commotion, DySP Junagadh and PSI Kinjal Maru sustained injuries, along with two other PSIs and several other police personnel. Fortunately, none of the injuries are critical, and all are reported to be in stable condition.
An FIR has been filed, encompassing charges of unlawful assembly, murder, attempt to commit murder, arson, causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons, loss of property by mischief, criminal conspiracy, assaulting or obstructing public servants, and knowingly participating in an assembly after being commanded to disperse. Offences under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act have also been included in the FIR.
