Patels’ agitation: DGP views it as a major law & order threat

The DGP convened a meeting with senior IPS officers at Police Stadium, Shahibaug, where Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Shivanand Jha was also present, besides several other senior officers. Sources present in the meeting said that the DGP, while “expressing his concern” over the Patel community rally, discussed the modality to tackle it. An officer present in the meeting said that Thakur told the officers to take the rally seriously, reminding them of the history of such mass movements in Gujarat. Patel leaders involved in the movement have sought permission for taking out a rally on Sabarmati Riverfront between 3-5 pm. Before that, they are also planning to hold a massive sabha (assembly). Police sources said that in view of speculation that there will be lakh of people in the rally, permission can’t be granted for the river front.

Police said that considering the gathering in Surat, estimated to be about 4 lakh to 5 lakh, any place in Ahmedabad can’t accommodate so many people at a given point of time.