Rajkot man commits suicide in support of Patidar agitation

For the first time since the Patidar (Patel) agitation for reservation under OBC category began in Gujarat, a 34-year-old man from Rajkot committed suicide in support of the stir.

According to local police sources, Umesh Patel allegedly committed suicide on Saturday by hanging himself from the ceiling of his factory in Vavadi area on the outskirts of Rajkot.  As per the suicide note recovered by the police, Patel has stated that he took the extreme step in support of reservation for Patels.

I don't have land or house or any investment and if I ask for reservation I get beaten because I am not the son of Gujarat. I am the only son of my parents. As long as the government doesn't give in to Patidars' demand (for reservation), till then we will continue to lose our sons', Patel's suicide note read.

"I seek apology from all my brothers from the Patidar (Patel community) because I could not remain with you in this agitation. My sacrifice should not go into vain," it further stated.

Led by 22-year-old Hardik Patel, the face of the agitation, Patidars have been demanding reservation under OBC quota since over two months in Gujarat.