Minor traffic altercation escalates into rioting near Sarkhej, one injured

Ahmedabad: A late-night road rage incident in Sarkhej area of the city escalated into rioting after a minor altercation between two motorcyclists allegedly led to a violent attack by a group of youths injuring one person, police said. A complaint in the matter was registered with Sarkhej police on Sunday.According to the FIR, the incident occurred around 12.30am on Jan 1 on the Sarkhej–Makarba stretch near Sangam Cinema. The complainant, a local resident who drives a commercial vehicle for a living, stated that he and his cousin were riding a motorcycle after leaving a petrol pump in Sarkhej.While taking a U-turn, another motorcycle with two persons allegedly came dangerously close to their vehicle. The complainant alleged that the rider of the other motorcycle followed them closely, prompting his cousin to object to the risky driving. This led to a brief verbal exchange, after which both parties initially dispersed.However, a few minutes later, while the complainant and his cousin were seated in a nearby lane, the same two youths allegedly returned, abused them, and issued death threats. Before the situation could be defused, several more persons reportedly arrived at the spot, forming an unlawful assembly.

“They were armed with wooden sticks, hurled abuses and began assaulting us,” the complainant stated in the FIR. During the scuffle, he was allegedly hit on the face and body with fists and sticks, sustaining injuries near his eye. His cousin managed to escape after one of the attackers allegedly brandished a knife.The assailants then allegedly vandalised the complainant’s cousin’s parked scooter. Police said the damage was estimated at around Rs 25,000.The FIR further stated that the assault caused panic in the area, attracting passers-by who intervened and rescued the complainant. He was later taken to a hospital by a family member for treatment.Police said the complainant had initially approached them with an application regarding the incident and subsequently lodged a formal complaint. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC pertaining to rioting, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation, assault and damage to property, and further investigation is underway.