A 14-month-old toddler was allegedly assaulted by a worker from Bihar in Gujarat’s Himmatnagar district last month
Ahmadabad: Hundreds of migrant workers from Hindi-speaking belt, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have fled the state capital and north Gujarat following violent protests over the rape of a 14-month-old girl, police said. The accused is said to be a migrant worker from Bihar.
According to reports, the minor was raped in Sabarkantha district September 28, following which police arrested the accused.
However, violence erupted in six districts of the state over the last few days, wherein several migrant labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were targeted. According to the police, additional forces have been stationed in these areas as well as other sensitive pockets. So far more than 300 people have been arrested in connection with the violent attacks.
The police said protests broke out in Gandhinagar, Ahmadabad, Patan, Sabarkantha and Mehsana a day after the accused was arrested.
Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) Shivanand Jha said, “In reaction to the Himmatnagar’s Gambhoi rape incident, some people are targeting those who have come to Gujarat from other states. This is totally unacceptable.”
The worst of the violence, he said, took place in Mehsana and Sabarkantha. Many of the troops have been stationed at these places. “A part of Ahmadabad city was also affected. In these districts and Ahmadabad 42 cases have been registered,” the DGP said.
According to the police, they have arrested 342 people from these areas during the last few days. “We are looking at opening cases against other accused also. We hope to arrest those accused also as cases are filed,” the DGP told the media.
He said 17 companies of State Reserve Police (SRP) have been deployed in the affected areas.
“Security of areas inhabited by non-Gujaratis and the factories where they work has been increased. Police have also increased patrolling in these areas,” he added.
Responding to a question about the exodus of non-Gujaratis following the attacks, Jha said they may be leaving for their native states in view of the upcoming festive season.
“If people are leaving for home for a festival, it should not be seen otherwise. I have told my officers to visit residential areas, and if required, visit bus stands and railway stations and if people are found leaving due to fear, (then to) persuade them to come back,” he said.
Police officials in Gandhinagar, the worst-affected district, have been directed to organise camps and communicate with local leaders to convince the people to stay, he said.
Additional forces and vehicles are being provided in districts which have asked for them to ensure safety of the non-Gujarati residents, he added.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Alpesh Thakor, who is also the head of the Thakor Sena group in Gujarat, has appealed for calm. In fact, Thakor’s group has been accused of leading the attacks on the migrant workers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Refuting allegations against him, Alpesh Thakor said, “This is unfortunate. We have never advocated violence. Everyone is safe in Gujarat.”