By Admin 
The situation suddenly went out of control in the afternoon of 13 December in Padaliya village located in Danta taluka of Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The long-running dispute over Forest Department land turned into violence when a joint team of Forest Department, Police and Revenue Department reached the spot. Within no time a large crowd of local people attacked the government team.
A mob of 500 people attacked
According to eyewitnesses, nursery and plantation work was going on on the forest department land of survey number 9. Meanwhile, a crowd of about 500 people, prepared in advance, reached there and suddenly started pelting stones. The mob used not only stones but also weapons like slings, sticks and bows and arrows. This created chaos on the spot.
47 police and forest personnel injured
A total of 47 officers and employees of police and forest department were injured in this attack. Many soldiers have suffered serious injuries on their heads, hands and legs. All the injured were immediately admitted to Ambaji Government Hospital. The treatment of the injured continued till late night in the hospital.
Ambaji Police Inspector R.B. was the most seriously injured in this violent clash. Gohil got hit. When his condition became critical, he was immediately referred to Palanpur after first aid with the help of LCB. According to doctors, he has suffered a deep head injury and his condition is currently being monitored.
Situation worsened after tear gas
To control the situation, the police released tear gas shells, but instead of coming under control, the situation worsened. After tear gas, the crowd became more aggressive and intensified the attacks. The police were forced to retreat.
The angry mob also targeted some government vehicles of police and forest department. After stone pelting, these vehicles were set on fire, due to which many vehicles were badly burnt. The atmosphere became more scary due to smoke and fire on the spot.
Tension in village, heavy police force deployed
After the incident, heavy police force has been deployed in Padaliya village and surrounding areas. Senior officers are standing at the spot. Police have increased patrolling to maintain peace in the area and the situation is being closely monitored.
The administration says that this attack seems to be pre-planned. Investigation of the entire matter has been started and the attackers are being identified on the basis of video footage and other evidence. Officials have made it clear that strict action will be taken against the culprits.
Input By : Vaidya Gaurav Madhusudan