Bootlegging turns bloody in Patan

Two people were killed and two seriously injured in Harij Taluka of Patan district when the police fired at an angry crowd trying to stop a police team from raiding a bootlegger’s den.

The incident occurred at around 4 pm on Wednesday. Seven other people, including five police officials, were also injured in  the clashes.

Sources in the police said that the incident occurred when the police inspector of the local crime branch, PH Chaudhary, and his team tried to search the “illicit liquor den” of Manuji Thakore.

Supporters of Thakore started throwing stones at the raiding team when the policemen began seizing the liquor and arresting the people there.

The sources said the police had fired six rounds to disperse the violent crowd. Manuji Thakore, the alleged bootlegger, and one Sonal Thakore, 15, were killed in the firing. Karanji Thakore, 22, and an unidentified woman were seriously injured.

The angry crowd also attacked the police with sharp weapons and injured several officers. “The injured policemen are being treated at hospitals in Patan,” a source said.

Police reinforcements from Radhanpur, Patan, Chanasma, Sami and other nearby areas have been rushed to Harij.