Gandhinagar: The Dahegam Police have filed an FIR against 83 named accused and a mob of over 200 people in connection with stone-pelting and arson during Garba celebrations in Bahiyal village. After rounding up over 70 people on Thursday, the police today conducted reconstruction exercises at the crime scene with 35 arrested accused present. The accused could be seen having difficulty walking as they were paraded in the market.

The incident took place late Wednesday night when a mob reportedly from the Muslim community pelted stones during the garba, vandalised vehicles, and set fire to three shops of Hindu traders, causing extensive damage. On Thursday, over 70 people were detained, and CCTV footage and mobile phone videos are being reviewed to trace others involved.

According to officials, the violence was triggered by a dispute over WhatsApp statuses — ‘I Love Muhammad’ and ‘I Love Mahadev’. “Groups of 200–300 people clashed over these social media posts, leading to stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson. The situation is under control, and garba festivities were held peacefully last night,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Ayush Jain. Locals allege that the village’s deputy sarpanch was also involved in the incident.

FIRs have been registered at Dahegam police station under sections related to rioting, unlawful assembly, and attempt to murder. Meanwhile, markets in Bahiyal remained shut on Thursday as well as today as a precaution, and over 200 SRP personnel along with local police have been deployed in the village to prevent further unrest. DeshGujarat