Ahmedabad: Patel community protestors set van, buses on fire; Section 144 imposed in Surat

Patel Community protesters demanding OBC reservation on Tuesday set two motorbikes on fire and damaged public property at Shahibaug area of Ahmedabad, after the release of their leader Hardik Patel. The protestors also damaged public property and set a bus on fire in Surat.

Section 144 was imposed in Kapodra Police Station and Sarthana Police station areas on Tuesday night after protesters turned violent in Surat, Gujarat.

Patel, who was leading the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti in its protest, was detained after police used lathi charge at the protest site.

Earlier on Tuesday, the protest had turned violent as large groups of Patel Community youths went around on various roads of the city on their vehicles wielding sticks to enforce the bandh.

Protesters from Patel Community set 2 buses on fire in Surat, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/q0QGcYlZDt

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 25, 2015

Protesters from Patel Community set 2 Buses on fire in Surat, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/OyS4uuEqBO

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 25, 2015

Protesters from Patel Community set a van on fire in Surat, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/R1Da7aiDMo

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 25, 2015

A van set on fire by Patel Community protesters in Surat,Gujarat pic.twitter.com/OS9vvpexSj

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 25, 2015

Patidar community protesters destroy public property in Surat, Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/lHyPCGM7yJ

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 25, 2015

The three-day monsoon session of Gujarat Assembly starting tomorrow is expected to be stormy, as the Congress will would be trying to corner the government on the agitation of Patel community, corruption, the law and order situation among other issues.

In her public message, Patel stated that she expressed regret over today's incidents and that her government will set up an inquiry to find out the truth behind them. She also said that necessary action will be taken against those found guilty in the inquiry.

Anandiben also appealed to maintain peace as members of Patel community resorted to violence over the issue across the city. "My sincere appeal to the people of Gujarat to maintain peace and not to indulge in activities disrupting the law and order across the state," she said in her message.

(With Agency Inputs)