Old rivalry and attack on Hindu family lead to violent clash in Sanand village

Sanand: Tension has prevailed for the past three days in Kalana village of Sanand taluka following a violent clash and stone-pelting incident. While the clash initially appeared to have been triggered by a dispute between two groups, a report by OpIndia has stated that an old rivalry between two communities escalated after a Hindu family was allegedly attacked, leading to stone-pelting and vandalism.

According to the report, police have registered FIRs based on complaints from both sides, and personnel from the police force as well as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order.

Allegations and FIRs

The first FIR was filed based on a complaint by a minor Hindu youth, naming 22 individuals from the Muslim community. As per the complaint cited in the report, a minor altercation had taken place about a year ago between members of the Hindu Thakor community and some Muslim residents of the village. Although community elders had reportedly reached a compromise around a month ago, tensions resurfaced on the day of the incident.

The complainant alleged that while he was sitting on the outskirts of the village with a friend, one of the accused approached him, verbally abused him and assaulted him after the minor began recording a video on his mobile phone. The accused allegedly snatched the phone, slapped the minor and issued death threats before leaving.

After the minor informed his family, relatives and villagers reportedly went to speak to the accused to resolve the issue. However, the complaint alleges that they were abused by the accused’s family members, including women.

The FIR further claims that the accused later returned with a group of around 20–25 people allegedly armed with sticks and batons and attacked the Hindu family. Stone-pelting and vandalism followed, leaving elderly persons and women injured. The injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

Based on this complaint, police registered a case under Sections 115(2), 352, 351(3), 189(2), 191(2), 190, 194(2), 324(2) and 125(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and initiated an investigation.

Cross-Complaint

Meanwhile, a woman from the Muslim community has also filed a counter-complaint, alleging assault and stone-pelting by members of the Thakor community. In this FIR, 24 individuals have been named, while four to five others remain unidentified. Police said appropriate action is being taken in this case as well.

The incident occurred late on Monday night (December 29). On Tuesday, members of both groups again came face to face, resulting in fresh stone-pelting. Police subsequently carried out combing operations in the village.

As per the report, several accused had allegedly fled the area and were later traced and arrested using drone surveillance. A total of 42 people have reportedly been arrested so far.

Police officials said the situation in Kalana village of Sanand taluka is currently under control, with police and CRPF units continuing to remain deployed as a precautionary measure. DeshGujarat