Botad – A violent clash broke out between police and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers during the party’s Khedut Mahapanchayat at Haddad village in Botad district on Sunday. The event, which had been denied permission by authorities, turned tense after stone pelting erupted, leaving three policemen injured, including DySP Maharshi Rawal, whose hand was fractured. Around 20 people were detained.

A large group of AAP workers had gathered to protest over low prices for cotton and paddy at the Botad APMC market yard. When police reached the site to disperse the unauthorized assembly, some protesters allegedly threw stones and damaged police vehicles. The police responded by firing tear gas shells and later launched a combing operation to restore order.

Meanwhile, AAP state president Isudan Gadhvi, general secretary Sagar Desai, and several party workers were detained near Bagodra highway before reaching the protest venue. Following the detentions, AAP supporters blocked the highway and staged demonstrations, disrupting traffic. Additional police forces were deployed, and the Bagodra police station was converted into a temporary control camp.

बोटाद :

भिड़ ने पुलिस पर किया जबरदस्त पथराव,

पुलिस जीप को निशाना बनता गया.

पुलिस ने आंसू गैस के गोले छोड़े.

आम आदमी पार्टी की सभा को मंज़ूरी नहीं होने के बावजूद सभा की जा रही थी.

सभा को संबोधित कर रहे आम आदमी पार्टी के नेता को पुलिस जब हिरासत मैं लेने की पहुंची,वहाँ मौजूद… pic.twitter.com/MlVGq6EzDm

— Janak Dave (@dave_janak) October 12, 2025

After his detention, Gadhvi accused the state government of trying to silence those supporting farmers, alleging that some BJP leaders were “looting the fruits of farmers’ hard work” and that the police were acting under political pressure.

Botad District Police Chief Dharmendra Sharma said the Mahapanchayat was illegal and held without permission. He said protesters pelted stones at the police despite warnings, forcing officers to use tear gas. The situation is now under control, and cases will be filed against those involved in the violence and damage to public property.

To prevent further incidents, heavy police deployment was made across Botad, including four DySPs, fifteen inspectors, fifty sub-inspectors, and over one thousand personnel.