Veraval (Gujarat): Tension gripped the Prabhas Patan area of Veraval town in Gujarat’s Gir-Somnath district on Monday evening after clashes broke out between locals and the police during a demolition drive to remove alleged illegal structures, including a dargah, barely a kilometre from the Somnath Temple.
At least 13 people have been arrested, and more arrests are likely, said Superintendent of Police (SP) Jaydeepsinh Jadeja, adding that further investigation is underway. The situation has since been brought under control, but heavy police deployment continues in the area to prevent any escalation.
Demolition sparks unrest
According to police officials, the violence began when a team from the Collectorate and Mamlatdar’s office reached survey number 831 in Prabhas Patan to demolish 12 properties allegedly built on government land.
While 11 structures — including residences and shops — were demolished peacefully, the situation turned volatile when officials began pulling down the boundary wall of the Hazrat Rangeelashah Dargah.
SP Jadeja said, “Locals claimed that a former officer had promised that the dargah would not be demolished. As the wall came down, around 100 women and children gathered at the site, and the argument intensified. Suddenly, people started pelting stones at the police.”
Police respond with lathicharge and teargas
In response, the police resorted to a mild lathicharge and fired three teargas shells to disperse the crowd. “The situation was dire, so we had to act quickly to prevent injuries and property damage,” said Jadeja. The confrontation lasted for nearly half an hour before the mob was dispersed.
After the crowd was brought under control, officials resumed the demolition, clearing the remaining debris by Tuesday morning. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported, though several policemen sustained minor injuries.
FIR registered under multiple sections
Following the incident, an FIR was registered at the Prabhas Patan police station based on a complaint filed by Deputy Mamlatdar (Circle Officer) Ranjeetsinh R. Kher on behalf of the State.
The FIR stated that the team had completed demolitions peacefully in the morning. However, around 5:55 pm, when work began at the Hazrat Rangeelashah Dargah, a mob of 70–100 residents gathered, raising slogans and obstructing officials.
Despite repeated warnings, the crowd began pelting stones, prompting the police to take defensive action.
A total of 17 identified individuals and several unnamed others were booked under multiple Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections, including those for unlawful assembly, rioting, assaulting or obstructing a public servant, endangering human life, and causing hurt to a public servant. They were also charged under Section 135 of the Gujarat Police Act for violating public order.
District administration defends action
Officials from the Gir-Somnath Collectorate maintained that the demolitions were part of a routine anti-encroachment drive and that all affected parties had been served prior notices.
“The action was carried out as per due process. The land in question belongs to the government, and encroachments, including religious structures, cannot be regularised,” said a senior official from the Collectorate.
Meanwhile, authorities are reviewing video footage and CCTV recordings to identify more individuals involved in the violence. SP Jadeja confirmed that 13 arrests had been made as of Tuesday and that further detentions are likely.
Locals claim broken assurances
Local residents alleged that officials had earlier given verbal assurances that the dargah would be spared, given its religious significance and long-standing presence. “We were told it would not be touched. But when the demolition began, people panicked and reacted,” said a resident who witnessed the incident.
Community leaders have urged restraint and sought a peaceful resolution, asking residents not to resort to violence. However, tensions remain high in some neighbourhoods.
Situation under control, police on high alert
Police have stepped up patrolling in and around Somnath Temple and Veraval town to ensure peace. “The law and order situation is now under control. We will ensure no such incidents recur,” SP Jadeja assured.
Officials have also appealed to the public to avoid spreading rumours on social media, warning that strict action will be taken against those spreading misinformation.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the growing friction between development and community sentiments in sensitive regions. While the administration insists that lawful anti-encroachment actions must continue, residents demand consultation and communication before such drives to prevent future confrontations.