RPF ASI, family assaulted in society water dispute in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: A dispute over water supply in a Chandkheda housing society turned violent on Wednesday evening after its chairman allegedly assaulted a Railway Protection Force (RPF) ASI and pushed his wife and daughter during a heated argument, police said.

Hari Singh Meena, an assistant sub-inspector at Sabarmati RPF station who lives in Shiv Darshan Society near Tragad Road in Chandkheda filed a complaint with Sabarmati police.

Police said society residents had been discussing water shortage issues for the past few days on a WhatsApp group. The issue reportedly stemmed from some residents allegedly using electric motors to draw water directly from supply lines, affecting flow to overhead tanks.

According to the complaint, Meena’s son, Jignesh, had suggested on the group that maintenance charges be increased for residents using motors to pull water illegally.

The FIR states that around 7.45pm on Wednesday, when Meena stepped out for a walk and reached near the residence of society chairman Kautilya Makwana, the latter allegedly approached him while speaking on the phone and began abusing him over the issue. Police said Makwana allegedly slapped Meena and rained punches on him.

When Meena’s wife and daughter intervened, the accused allegedly pushed both women. The daughter was allegedly grabbed by the collar and shoved, while the wife fell to the ground after being pushed.

Neighbours stepped in and stopped the altercation. Meena called the police. Makwana allegedly fled the scene before cops arrived.

Sabarmati police have registered a case against Makwana and launched further investigation into the incident.