Journalism of Courage
The Gujarat government has withdrawn a case against Patidar leader Hardik Patel, in which he was accused of insulting the Tricolour nearly two years ago.
Rajkot Collector Vikrant Pandey on Wednesday said that he has issued the order to withdraw the case against Hardik following instructions from state government. The government has also withdrawn five other cases related to the 2015 violence during the Patidar quota stir in the district.
“As per the instruction received from the state government, we have withdrawn (the) case(s) against Hardik and other activists of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, which were registered in Rajkot district,” Pandey said, adding that further formalities will be completed in court.
Reacting to the withdrawal of the case of insulting the Tricolour, Hardik on Thursday tweeted: “Still there are five cases against me filed by the BJP government. During election season, the BJP has a habit of speaking lies.”
Police had said Hardik jumped over the Tricolour on his way to Khandheri cricket stadium to disrupt the India-South Africa one-day match scheduled that day.
