Two people have been arrested for threatening the leader of the tribal organization Dev Birsa Mund Sena while the tension is rising in Tapi. Jignesh Gamit, the tribal leader who was allegedly threatened, had earlier protested against an event by the Christian community, which was attended by BJP MLA Mohan Kokani – the lone Christian MLA representing Gujarat’s Vyara constituency.
He and his group gave a memorandum to the district collector claiming that ‘religious conversion’ was taking place in such programs.
Devbirsa Mund Sena protested in front of Tapi district district officer’s office in Byara on November 19, and tried to burn Kokanee’s effigy after participating in a community gathering organized by Faith Fellowship Church in Chikhalwaw village of Tapi.
Almost a month after the demonstration, Jignesh Gamit filed a complaint at the Songarh police station on Monday saying that some people came to his house on Friday night. The complaint reads: “The accused tried to break the door but failed and after half an hour, they left. Ten minutes later, Jignesh’s mobile received a WhatsApp call in which the caller asked ‘why a memorandum against religious meetings to be held in the district and spreading fake messages in various WhatsApp groups.’ Will you give it?’ had said.
Acting on Jignesh’s complaint, Songarh police arrested Rajesh Gamit and Rakesh Gamit on Monday evening and registered a case for their involvement in the group. They have been charged under BNS sections 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (intentional insult with intent to disturb the peace), 351 (1) (criminal intimidation) and 54 (if any person shall be charged with an offence). Abettor (person who encourages the crime) is physically present when the crime is committed.
Both were arrested on Monday and released on bail on Tuesday. According to an estimate, about 170 villages come under the jurisdiction of Songarh police station and each village has several prayer halls and churches. The leaders of the Christian community say that more than 80 percent of the population of Songarh district are Christians.
Talking to Indian Express, Songarh police inspector KD Mandora said, ‘Based on Jignesh Gamit’s statement, we have registered a case and arrested two people in this connection. We are also trying to identify others who went to his house.”
Meanwhile, the leaders of all Christian societies, Bharat, Tapi had submitted a memorandum to the district officer of Tapi on November 12, saying that there might be an unpleasant incident, and asked them to allow the followers of the Christian community to celebrate until November 30. 24 and January 1.
Haresh Gamit, head of Samast Kristi Samaj of Tapi district, said, “We want our festival to be completed peacefully and not to have any untoward incident.” In the memorandum, we have mentioned that we will follow all the rules and laws. We want to spread communal harmony and peace in the district.”
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package