Five injured as compromise meeting turns violent

Surat: A 39-year-old land broker and four others were allegedly assaulted during a meeting convened to resolve internal disputes within a community group\.According to a complaint lodged at Lalgate police station, Abdul Gafar Meman and Faruq Chandiwala (60), both associated with the Morbi Tankara Meman Samaj, had organized a meeting on Feb 26 in an attempt to address ongoing differences and arrive at a compromise.The dispute is said to have its roots in a community meeting held on January 15 at a hall in Shahpore to discuss youth sports activities. During that meeting, Chandiwala, who serves as president of the community body, reportedly proposed a resolution stating that any member found guilty of wrongdoing would be removed from the community. Meman opposed the proposal at the time.Police said Meman had earlier resigned as youth president of the community on Dec 14, 2025, citing differences over policies and functioning. He later alleged financial irregularities in the use of community donations and is said to have circulated videos on social media raising these concerns.In an effort to ease tensions, community leaders arranged a compromise meeting at Sara Park Society in the Lalgate area. According to the complaint, Meman attended the meeting along with around 25 community members, while Chandiwala was accompanied by about 10 members.During the discussions, an argument reportedly broke out. The complaint alleges that Chandiwala threw a teacup at Iliyas Meman, a member from the other group, and slapped him, triggering a scuffle between the two sides.