Police used AK-47 against protesting Dalits, affidavit says

Three youths had died in the incident.

Inspector General of Police Anil Pratham told PTI that "one AK-47 rifle was used in the firing, in addition to a carbine gun, a revolver and a .303 rifle".

The weapons which the police carried at the time had been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar to ascertain if they were fired or not, he added.

Superintendent of Police R S Bhagora told PTI that the affidavit, submitted to Limbdi Additional Sessions Court in Surendranagar on November 6, opposes the anticipatory bail plea of Thangadh sub-inspector K P Jadeja and three other policemen, who are accused in the case and are absconding.

The affidavit adds that the accused policemen were motivated by "hatred" and "prejudice".

The police firing in Thangadh town on September 23 had followed clashes between Dalits and Bharwad (Shepherd) community members over a dispute.