Police in Songadh town of Gujarat’s Tapi district paraded nine Muslim youths through the streets with ropes tied around them after they were accused of pelting stones at a man’s house following a dispute over social media comments.
The incident took place on October 20 after an argument over comments on a social media post related to Navratri escalated into violence. According to a complaint filed by the man’s father, a group of around 20 to 25 people allegedly gathered outside their house and pelted it with stones and bricks.
The dispute reportedly began after comments were exchanged on a Navratri-related post. The man said he had responded to a comment that he felt was offensive to Hindu sentiments, but deleted his own comment later.
He alleged that the crowd gathered outside his house around 5 pm and continued throwing stones even after he locked the door. He also claimed that some members of the crowd attempted to assault him when police arrived.
“I called 112 when the crowd gathered outside my house,” he said, adding that he ran back inside after people allegedly tried to attack him as police attempted to escort him away.
Police Register Case, Deploy Additional Personnel
Police teams reached the scene after receiving information about the stone-pelting and dispersed the crowd. Senior officers, including Tapi district Superintendent of Police Rishabh Garg, also visited the area, while additional personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.
Police registered a case invoking provisions related to attempted murder and rioting. The identities of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
The police parade of the nine accused youths followed their detention in connection with the case. The allegations against them have not been established in court.
Hindu Organisations Demand Arrests
The incident triggered protests by Hindu organisations outside the Songadh police station. Nilesh Chandrate, a representative of one such organisation, demanded the identification and immediate arrest of those involved, including through an examination of video footage.
Protesters also demanded action against alleged illegal encroachments and businesses linked to the accused. Several organisations initially called for an indefinite shutdown of Songadh, but withdrew the call after police assured them that action would be taken.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Ishwar Parmar said officers had responded promptly and brought the situation under control. Police appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours as the investigation continued.
