Ahmedabad: Alpesh Kathiriya out of jail after 111 days

Celebrations erupted in Surat on Sunday as Alpesh Kathiriya, who is poised to be the new face of the Patidar reservation stir, was released on bail after spending 111 days in jail after his arrest in a sedition case dating back to 2015.

Kathiriya, a lawyer, and one of the closest aides of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel was arrested by Ahmedabad police on August 19 in the sedition case, less than a week before Hardik was slated to go on an indefinite fast.

Charges were framed against Hardik and two others by a court in Ahmedabad in the same sedition case last month. Kathiriya was granted bail earlier this week by the court paving his way for release from jail.

Minutes after he was released, Kathiriya announced that the Patidar reservation agitation would be intensified in the coming days.

"We have been fighting for over three years, and will continue to do so. Our core committee will meet soon. We will strengthen our fight for reservation in the coming days," Kathiriya, who was greeted by hundreds of Patidars outside the jail with slogans such as Jai Sardar, Jai Patidar, told media-persons. He expressed confidence in getting support from Patidars saying, "This is a fight for the community. All persons, big or small, want reservation. We have everyone's support."

Taking a dig at the state government, Kathiriya said that he had learnt a lot from the experience in jail. "I got admission in the two largest universities (jails) - Sabarmati and Lajpore - and got a chance to learn over three-and-a-half months. I thank Gujarat government and BJP for this," he said.

To mark Kathiriya's release from jail, Patidar youths organised a rally which went to various Patidar dominated areas. His residence and neighbourhood wore a festive look to celebrate his home-coming after several months. A garba was also organised outside his residence to welcome him.

The rally of Sankalp Yatra as it has been named, will continue for three days, and press for reservation for Patidars, and justice for the Patidar youths killed in alleged police excesses in 2015.

Kathiriya, who is set to emerge as the face of Patidar reservation now, was arrested in the sedition case just days before Hardik's indefinite hunger strike. He was granted bail in the case earlier, but determined to keep him in jail, the police arrested him in connection to an attempt to murder case. He was granted bail in this particular case on Thursday, clearing the path for his release.

"I have been released on account of our legal fight," Kathiriya added.

SOUNDING OUT

• Alpesh Kathiriya said, “This is a fight for the community. All persons, big or small, want reservation. We have everyone’s support.” 
   
• “I got admission in two largest universities (jails) - Sabarmati and Lajpore. I thank the Gujarat government and BJP for this,” Kathiriya said.