Three Rounds Fired in Self-Defence as Mob Attacks Society Residents in Ahmedabad; 15 Booked

Ahmedabad: Four people have been arrested and three minors detained after a mob allegedly attacked residents of Empire Skyview Society on Science City Road in Bodakdev on the night of November 8 following a dispute over firecrackers. At least four residents were injured in the assault, prompting a resident to fire three rounds from his licensed pistol in self-defence to disperse the attackers.

Bodakdev police have registered an FIR against 15 people, including the arrested accused, on charges of attempted murder and rioting. The four arrested men have been identified as Mit Rabari, Ragnesh Rabari, Amit Rabari and Daksh Rabari, all residents of Hirabag Society in Ghatlodia. Police have also detained three juveniles in connection with the incident.

According to the complaint filed by society member Jigar Patel, the dispute began on November 6 when three youths, identified as Pranshu Kotawad, Arjun Desai and Vishwas Kali, were bursting firecrackers outside the residential complex. Some firecracker rockets allegedly flew towards society members, prompting residents to ask the youths to stop. However, they allegedly continued despite objections.

The confrontation escalated on November 8 when the same youths returned to burst firecrackers near the society. After another rocket allegedly landed near residents, a fresh argument broke out. The youths allegedly challenged the residents before calling a group of men from Rajwadi Tea Stall opposite the society.

Around 20 to 25 people subsequently arrived at the residential complex armed with wooden sticks, iron pipes and stones and allegedly attacked residents gathered near the entrance. Women and children were also present when the violence erupted, triggering panic among residents, who rushed inside the society for safety.

Society chairman Hitesh Patel was allegedly assaulted with sticks and sustained around 10 blows. Another resident and society staff member, Jitu, suffered a serious head injury requiring 12 stitches. According to residents, Jitu was attacked again while waiting outside on a chair for an ambulance after the initial assault.

The attackers also allegedly damaged chairs, potted plants and other property while hurling large stones into the residential premises. The injured were taken to Sola Civil Hospital and Shalin Hospital for treatment.

During the assault, resident Rakesh Patel reportedly used his licensed pistol to protect those being attacked. He initially fired two rounds into the air to disperse the mob. When attackers allegedly continued beating a resident near the entrance gate, he fired a third round, following which the crowd retreated.

Residents said the firing prevented the situation from escalating further and potentially saved lives.

Following the incident, Bodakdev police reached the spot, initiated an investigation and arrested four accused based on CCTV footage and other evidence. Police subsequently brought the arrested men back to the scene for crime scene reconstruction, during which a large number of residents gathered and demanded strict action against those involved.

The FIR names 15 accused, including the three youths allegedly involved in the initial firecracker dispute. Police are investigating the roles of the remaining accused and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

Residents have demanded stringent action against the accused and measures to prevent similar incidents, expressing concern over the safety of women and children in the residential complex.