Hardik slapped with sedition charge over 'provocative remarks'

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel has been booked with sedition charges over his provocative remarks where he had asked his supporters to kill policemen rather than commit suicide for the cause of reservation.

"An FIR has been registered under Section 124 (A), 153 A, 505 (2), 506 against Hardik Patel. On October 3, he had said something during the coverage of TV 9 which is very provocative. He has provoked to kill the policemen and commented in provocative manner. An offence has been registered and investigation has been started, Surat Commissioner Rakesh Asthana told ANI.

"The Crime Branch is investigating the case and Patel is already under custody of Rajkot Police," he added.

Earlier this month, Hardik had spoken to a Patel youth who had threatened suicide in a letter to the police if his demands were not met and allegedly told him, "If you have so much in you, kill 2-5 policemen but no Patel will die now."

However, later in the day, Hardik clarified that he meant no harm.

The Rajkot police had yesterday detained Hardik and his aides near the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) stadium, which was the venue of the third one-day international between India and South Africa, where he had threatened to stage a protest.

Following his detention, Patidar members torched a state transport bus near Morbi town and briefly blocked some highways at several places in Surat, North Gujarat and Rajkot.