Junagadh villagers up in arms against local mafia

JUNAGADH: It was a show of strength by villagers that would certainly deter extortionists from harassing them.
Armed with swords, spears and logs, villagers of Palasva in Junagadh taluka came out in large numbers on Friday night sounding a warning and throwing a challenge to the extortionists. They also threatened to boycott Lok Sabha elections if the government failed to protect them.
Raising a weapon each, the villagers shouted in unison We will not tolerate torture and extortion.
Not only Palsava but its surrounding villages Vijapurand and Dungarpore along with owners of mines in the region are also victims of rising extortion cases.
The frustrated villagers and mine owners had earlier submitted a memorandum to authorities seeking protection, but did not name any person as they admitted being scared. However, on April 8, a mine owner lodged a police complaint at taluka police station against Kala Devraj Rabari and Punja Rabari.
These pleas failed to entail any action, resulting in Friday's show of strength. In a fresh memorandum signed by over 100 villagers that night, sarpanch Bhikha Savalia and local woman leader Manisha Siddhapura said, "These elements have been harassing us for 10 years now and illegally collecting money from us. They create a ruckus after consuming alcohol and tease women. But, as they threaten us, no one could muster courage to stand up against them." It also stated that authorities should round up the guilty and punish them.
Following Friday's incident, taluka police arrested Mahesh Rabari and have started looking for others.
Source: Sandesh