Bandh given by pro-quota stir leader Hardik Patel in protest against custodial death of a Patidar youth got mixed response in the North Gujarat towns of Mehsana and Visnagaron Wednesday.
Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) had given the call following death of 30-year-old Ketan Mahendrabhai Patel, who was arrested in a case related to theft of Rs 9,500 in Mehsana. PAAS on its part claimed that Ketan was arrested for a theft of mere Rs 500!
Barring minor incidents of forced closure of shops, the bandh remained mostly peaceful, with many commercial establishments remaining open during the day.
Tempers in the town soared as the news of death of the youngster came on Tuesday, with family claiming that he had died due to severe beating by policemen in their custody.
However, the police denied allegation and claimed that Ketan was running high fever and was referred to Mehsana civil hospital by sub-jail doctor on Monday. The police claimed Ketan died there. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Visnagar, Harish Patel, has now been instructed to probe the case.
“A judicial inquiry will be conducted and his post-mortem will be done by a medical board, which will be videographed,” said a senior police official.