Ahmedabad : Bajrang Dal workers booked in minority youth assault case 

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A disturbing episode of alleged vigilante violence unfolded under the Viratnagar Bridge in Ahmedabad on January 19, triggering panic, traffic chaos and serious questions about law and order on the city’s streets. Two youths were allegedly assaulted by a group of Bajrang Dal workers on suspicion of “questionable activity,” an accusation the victims strongly deny. The confrontation escalated to such an extent that even responding police personnel were reportedly forced to leave the spot.

According to the police complaint, Ayma Ali Sheikh (23), an MBBS student from Gomtipur, and his friend Nadeem Ansari had gone to a garage near the Viratnagar Bridge to collect a two-wheeler. When they found the garage closed, they waited for some time under the bridge. It was then that seven to eight Bajrang Dal workers allegedly approached them, questioned their presence and demanded to check their mobile phones.

“They suddenly started accusing us and asking why we were sitting there,” Ayma Ali stated in his complaint. “Before we could understand what was happening, they began beating us with sticks. My T-shirt was torn, and we ran to save ourselves.”

The youths dialled the emergency 112 number, following which a police vehicle arrived. However, the situation spiralled further when, during a visit to identify the location of the assault, the youths were allegedly intercepted again and beaten. Ayma Ali has named several individuals in his complaint, alleging abuse and physical assault.

Eyewitnesses said the clash caused major traffic disruption. Bajrang Dal workers reportedly sat on the road and stopped a bus, leading to a long traffic jam under the busy bridge. Commuters were stranded for hours as crowds gathered at the scene.

In a shocking twist, it has been alleged that when police reached the spot, some workers pushed the policeman into a car and sent him away. A senior police official, however, said the situation was quickly brought under control. “Police immediately reached the spot. Complaints have been registered from both sides, and some accused have been detained for questioning,” said Zone-5 DCP Jitendra Agarwal.

Bajrang Dal workers have also filed a counter-complaint, accusing the youths of assaulting their members during the altercation. Nikol police have registered cases against both parties and launched an investigation to ascertain the sequence of events.