2015 vandalism case: Non-bailable warrants issued against Hardik, Lalji Patel

Ahmedabad: A session court in Visnagar, Gujarat’s Mehsana district on Wednesday issued non-bailable warrants against Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel and six others including Sardar Parel Group (SPG) convener Lalji Patel after they failed to appear before it for the second consecutive time in 2015 vandalism case. A case was registered against Hardik Patel and 17 others in 2015 for ransacking the office of a BJP Legislator Rushikesh Patel, during a protest rally.

While the PAAS convener failed to appear before the court for the second time, including today, Lalji Patel and others remained absent for the first time. Hardik's lawyer Rajendra Patel on Wednesday moved an application seeking exemption from personal appearance citing his busy schedule, but the plea was rejected by the court.

The same court had earlier rejected Hardik Patel's plea seeking entry into Mehsana district, the epicenter of the quota stir. The Patidar community under Hardik Patel has been demonstrating protest for reservation in government jobs and education. (UNI)