Violent clashes at Garba in Gujarat kill Muslim youth

Ahmedabad: A 21-year-old Muslim man has died from injuries sustained in a violent clash between two groups during Navratri celebrations in Gujarat’s Dakor town, triggering outrage and heightened police security in the area, according to reports.

Sultan Iqbalbhai Sheikh, a Muslim resident of Dakor in Kheda district, died while undergoing intensive treatment at Nadiad Civil Hospital. The violence erupted on the night of October 14 near Satyam Society in the Navi Nagari area, leaving eight people injured, five from one group and three from the other.

According to preliminary police findings, an argument over voting patterns in a previous municipal election and support for an independent candidate escalated into a brutal street fight involving sharp weapons.

The injured were initially taken to Dakor Sub-District Hospital, with those seriously wounded transferred to Nadiad Civil Hospital. Sheikh succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Senior district police officials, along with personnel from the Special Operations Group and local crime branch, rushed to the area and strengthened security to prevent further violence.

Kheda Superintendent of Police Vijay Patel said legal action had been initiated against 16 people, with eight detained from each group. The cases include murder charges.

Sheikh’s death has sparked anger on social media, with users demanding strict action against those responsible. Police have also intensified monitoring of online posts after some users portrayed the incident as a communal clash and circulated provocative content.

Investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the violence and the role of those involved. Heavy police patrolling and security arrangements continue in Dakor amid concerns over further unrest.