2015 riots: Hardik Patel sentenced to 2 years in prison
Hardik Patel was sentenced to two years in prison by a Gujarat court in connection to the 2015 riots during the Patel quota movement. The court found Patel guilty on charges of arson and for creating a ruckus outside the office of a BJP MLA Rushikesh Patel in Visnagar. He was named along with sixteen others as accused in this case
Patel asked to pay Rs. 50,000 fine too
The firebrand leader has also been directed by the court to pay Rs. 50,000 as fine. Along with Patel, leader of the Sardar Patel Group, Lalji Patel was also found guilty on similar charges, and sentenced similarly. Two other accomplices of Patel were found guilty for rioting during protests that crippled state machinery of Gujarat, three years ago.
Thousand vandalized office of BJP MLA, protests killed 14
Notably, in 2015, a mob of about 3,000-5,000 people had vandalized the office of BJP MLA Rushikesh Patel. The demand for reservation had turned violent killing 14 people in police firing. Patel was arrested and later released on bail. Ahead of the court verdict, Patel had asked his supporters to stay calm if the judgement went against him. He had released a Facebook video.
Yes I am guilty of fighting for social right: Patel
After the verdict, Hardik Patel took to his social media accounts to tell his fight for social justice will not end. In his posts, written in Hindi, the young leader said he won't be scared of prison and will continue his protests from there. He also targeted the government and said he is fighting for rights of crores of people.
The protests will continue, Hardik Patel writes on social media
Meanwhile, he announced indefinite fast from August 25
A few weeks ago, Hardik Patel announced he will sit on indefinite fast from August 25 to get reservation for the Patel community in jobs and institutions. "This is our last fight. Either I will give my life or we will get a reservation. I need your support for this. The fight has come to the last phase," Hardik had said.
