Anti-Encroachment Drive in Junagadh, Gujarat Goes Violent

Security personnel were deployed after clashes erupted over Junagadh Municipal Corporations demolition notice to a mosque situated near Majewadi Gate in Junagadh district

In what was supposed to be an anti-encroachment drive, clashes between the mobbing crowd and the officials, including Police personnel, one person allegedly died. The clash occurred around the dargah situated near the Majewadi Gate in Junagadh on Friday (June 16) night, when a large group of people started pelting stones at police personnel.

The Municipal Corporation of Junagadh had served a notice to the dargah asking to present its documents within five days, if not, would be demolished on the grounds of encroachment. Angered by the allegation, around 500-600 people gathered near the dargah situated near the Majewadi Gate and began pelting stones at police officials, vandalising adjacent properties and set police vehicles on fire.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Junagadh, Ravi Teja Vasamsetty told media,

"A mosque near Majewadi Gate was given notice by the Junagadh Municipal Corporation to present documents within five days. Around 500-600 people gathered there yesterday. The police were trying to convince protestors not to block the road."

"Stones were pelted at around 10.15 pm and people attacked police. A Lathicharge was conducted by police to disperse the crowd. Some police personnel got injured in this incident. We have rounded up 174 people. A civilian has died prima facie due to stone pelting but it will be clear after a postmortem report. Further investigation is underway", the SP added.

#WATCH | A mosque near Majewadi Gate was given notice by the Junagadh Municipal Corporation to present the documents within 5 days. Around 500-600 people had gathered there yesterday. The police were convincing them not to block the road. Stones were pelted at around 10.15 pm and… pic.twitter.com/U5YfQe6R04

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2023