BJP office vandalised in Gujarat's Mehsana

An angry crowd on Saturday vandalised the BJP office in Gujarat's Mehsana town after a man who was injured allegedly in police firing succumbed to his wounds.

Mayur Patel was injured in firing during the August 26 procession by the pro-quota Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) in Ahmedabad. The 22-year-old died on Friday evening at a hospital.

Hundreds of people took out a funeral procession on Saturday, when a mob started pelting stones and smashed window panes of the district BJP office.

BJP workers fled the office which was later cordoned off by police to prevent any further attack.

Most shops and business establishments were closed in Mehsana and Visnagar towns, known bastions of the Patel community.

A public call was given to prevent the entry of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and Minister of State for Home Rajhni Patel till the policemen responsible for the August 26 firing were arrested.

Meanwhile, PAAS co-convenor in Surat, Nikhil Savani began an indefinite fast for release of group leader Hardik Patel, who is in police custody on sedition charges.

In a letter to the chief minister, Governor O.P. Kohli, and chief secretary G.L. Alora, Savani alleged that they were misusing their powers against the Patel community and harassing those fighting for their rights.

Another Patel agitation leader Reshma Patel announced her intention to go on an indefinite fast on the issue in Mehsana.