By-poll victory turns sour for BJP men

VADODARA: The sweet success in municipal by-polls suddenly turned bitter for several BJP functionaries in the city after they were pick-pocketed. Amid celebrations outside Bhavan's School, some of them realised that they have lost their wallets. Around six functionaries including councillors became victims of a gang of pick-pocketers. And, all this happened within just 10 minutes.
What surprised as well as angered the BJP workers was that the incident happened right opposite Makarpura police station. And, that too when hordes of policemen were guarding the area.
"When Bhave came out victorious, we all rushed to congratulate her and celebrate her victory. After a while when excitement died down, I realised that someone had stolen my wallet. I told other BJP workers about it and started looking around to see if I can find out some suspect," said Anil Desai, BJP councillor of ward 12 who lost over Rs 4,000 cash and his ATM card.
"In the meantime, some other BJP leaders realised that they too have lost their wallets. I don't know how pick-pocketers managed to do slip in our group despite such tight police security," Desai told TOI.
Another BJP ex-councillor Bhadresh Amin lost Rs 5,500 cash, ATM card and driving license kept in his wallet.
"There was so much frenzy that for a while no one realised that some suspicious elements had entered in the group of BJP workers. It happened right opposite the police station amidst tight security," Amin said.
Amin and Desai along with other leaders registered police complaint at Manjalpur police station.
However, Manjalpur police inspector Nisarg Patel said, "We have received the application wherein the complainants have said that they are not sure whether someone picked their pockets or their wallets fell down in frenzy. We are investigating the incident."