What Led to the Violence Involving 74 Individuals, Including a Former Congress MLA, in Gujarat?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an alarming turn of events, 74 individuals, including a former Congress MLA, have been implicated in violence during a protest in Gujarat. The unrest stemmed from disputes over milk procurement prices, escalating to significant damage and police intervention. This incident highlights the tension in agricultural communities over fair pricing and transparency in profit distribution.
Key Takeaways
- 74 individuals have been charged following violent protests in Gujarat.
- Protests were fueled by dissatisfaction over milk price revisions.
- Authorities have initiated serious legal actions against those involved.
- Sabar Dairy plays a crucial role in the local economy.
- The unrest emphasizes the need for transparency in profit distribution.
Himmatnagar, July 15 (NationPress) In a significant escalation, a total of 74 individuals, including a former Congress MLA, have been charged in connection with the unrest that erupted during a demonstration in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district demanding an increase in milk procurement prices.
A prominent figure among those charged is Jashubhai Patel, a director of the Sabar Dairy Board and former MLA from Bayad.
The protest arose from dissatisfaction regarding the annual adjustment of milk prices determined by fat content.
Reports indicate that the protesters, allegedly stirred by social media posts, gathered at Sabar Dairy around 10 a.m., breaching police barricades.
Eyewitness accounts describe a crowd armed with sticks, iron rods, and stones, chanting slogans while demanding clarity in the profit-sharing practices of the dairy's management. What started as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into violence, with the mob throwing stones, damaging public property, and obstructing the national highway with debris.
In response, law enforcement deployed nearly 70 rounds of tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd. One officer, Head Constable Jignesh Kumar Sureshbhai, was reportedly assaulted by the mob.
The FIR lodged at the Himmatnagar A-Division Police Station accuses Jashubhai Patel and Dharmendrasinh Jetawat of Idar taluka of disseminating incendiary messages on social media to rally the protesters.
This unrest follows Sabar Dairy's recent distribution of retention payments to farmers on July 11, which the accused have criticized as arbitrary and inadequate.
The violent skirmish resulted in extensive damage to the dairy's infrastructure, including its main entrance, fencing, and government vehicles on site.
Authorities have initiated serious legal proceedings in this matter and are currently investigating to identify all parties involved. Efforts to locate and apprehend individuals are underway.
Founded in 1964, Sabar Dairy, formally known as the Sabarkantha District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union, is now recognized as one of Gujarat's largest milk cooperatives.
It has a substantial milk processing capacity of approximately 750,000 litres per day, sourcing from over 1,700 villages. As a member of the Amul/GCMMF network, the union reported a remarkable turnover of Rs 8,939 crore (around $1.1 billion) in the 2023–24 financial year, solidifying its status among the billion-dollar dairy enterprises alongside other major cooperatives in Gujarat.
Point of View
I see this incident as a reflection of the ongoing struggles faced by farmers in our country. The protests highlight the urgent need for dialogue between agricultural cooperatives and their members. The concerns over pricing and profit distribution are valid and require immediate attention from both government and dairy management to prevent future unrest.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the protests in Sabarkantha district?
The protests were ignited by dissatisfaction with the annual revision of milk prices based on fat content and calls for increased transparency in profit distribution.
Who were the key figures involved in the violence?
Among those charged were former Congress MLA Jashubhai Patel and Dharmendrasinh Jetawat, accused of inciting the unrest through social media.
What actions did the police take during the protests?
Police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and managed to control the situation amid reports of violence and property damage.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Authorities have initiated legal proceedings and are actively working to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the violence.
What is the significance of Sabar Dairy in Gujarat?
Founded in 1964, Sabar Dairy is one of Gujarat’s largest milk cooperatives, processing around 750,000 litres of milk daily and contributing significantly to the local economy.
