Cops flee after 18 men storm Gujarat farmhouse with swords, sharp weapons

In Gujarat’s Patan, a village dispute over temple donations has now turned into something far bigger.

On the night of March 15, as a mob armed with swords and sticks stormed a farmhouse in the village, two police vans stood at the spot - and then drove away. What followed was unchecked violence.

Days later, the same men were dragged back to the streets, beaten with sticks and made to beg for forgiveness before a crowd.

The incident unfolded in Chanasma taluka, where 15 to 20 men arrived in nearly eight vehicles and targeted the farmhouse of Bhavesh Desai. CCTV footage, now widely shared, shows the group smashing gates, tearing through the property and issuing death threats. Names like Jitubha, Jahubha, Dalpuji and alleged main conspirator Jahu Shankar Thakor surfaced as the footage spread.

At the heart of the violence was a simmering dispute over temple donation funds, a local rivalry that spiralled into a show of force.

But what has gripped attention is what the footage also reveals - police presence, followed by police retreat.

As the attackers gathered strength, officers chose to leave. The mob stayed back, vandalised the farmhouse and even damaged a police vehicle before walking away unchallenged.

The backlash was swift. Questions poured in. The visuals travelled fast. And suddenly, the focus shifted from the attackers to the police.

Under pressure, the response was equally swift. Multiple teams were formed, raids were carried out, and 18 accused were picked up. Two FIRs were filed, one on Bhavesh Desai’s complaint and another over the damaged police vehicle.

Then came the moment that turned the story again.

The accused were brought out with ropes tied around their hands. From the Chanasma police station to the bus stand, they were marched through the streets. Many gathered, watching as the men who had stormed a farmhouse days earlier were now being made to perform sit-ups on the road.

Sticks came down. One after another.

“Sahab, it was a mistake, please forgive us,” they pleaded, folding their hands as the blows continued.

The public spectacle did not end there. The accused were taken back to the farmhouse, where police recreated the crime scene.

They were later produced before a court in Patan, which granted police remand till March 23. Investigators are now expected to trace the weapons and vehicles used in the attack.

The fallout has also hit the police force. The Patan Superintendent of Police suspended three officers and five personnel from the Chanasma police station, including PI R H Solanki, ASI Haresh Arjanbhai and head constable Sanjay Mohanlal. Five GRD personnel were also removed from service.

- Ends

With inputs from Sunil Patel