AAP leaders claim conspiracy behind attack on Jigisha Patel, demand strict action

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat State President Isudan Gadhvi and party leader Jigisha Patel addressed a press conference in Samega, Manavadar, alleging that the attack on Jigisha Patel was a pre-planned incident and raising concerns over police action in the case.

During the press conference, Isudan Gadhvi stated that the attack on Jigisha Patel was part of a “pre-planned conspiracy.” He questioned why police reportedly took out a procession in one case at midnight but asked when similar action would be taken against those accused of wrongdoing.

He claimed that in Gujarat — which leaders often describe as prioritising women’s safety — several women, including Jigisha Patel, have allegedly been attacked and subjected to atrocities in broad daylight.

Referring to a question raised in the Assembly by MLA Gopal Italia, Gadhvi said details were sought about how many complaints were registered in Amreli and Bhavnagar districts within a year and in how many cases public processions were taken out against the accused.

Gadhvi alleged that around 96,000 complaints were registered, out of which approximately 200 cases reportedly saw processions being taken out. He asked what happened in the remaining cases and alleged that such public processions were generally conducted in cases involving poor or vulnerable individuals, while influential persons allegedly avoided similar public action.

He questioned whether the system was biased in favour of the powerful and whether only formal legal action — without public processions — was taken in most cases.

On the specific incident involving Jigisha Patel, Gadhvi alleged that appropriate police action has not yet been taken. Addressing Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, he said that assurances are often given regarding the safety of women but claimed that adequate action was not taken earlier in similar cases, including that of Payal Ben.

He stated that Jigisha Patel also belongs to the Patidar community and asked whether injustice against women from the community would be addressed properly. He further said that if the Chief Minister is unable to discharge responsibilities effectively, resignation would be appropriate.

He added that if justice is not delivered within 48 hours, the government would bear full responsibility. He also pointed to visits to temples such as Khodiyar Mata and Umiya Mata, stating that protection of women should align with those commitments.

Gadhvi announced that a public meeting has been organised in Gondal on the first of the upcoming month regarding this issue and farmers’ rights. He appealed to people of Gondal and Rajkot to unite against alleged injustice and participate in the meeting.

Speaking at the press conference, Jigisha Patel, who was the alleged victim of the attack, said that the incident in Gondal is visible to the public. She claimed that people were called to discuss road and infrastructure issues and that even though a Bharatiya Janata Party corporator was present and expectations were high for resolving the matter, the situation allegedly turned into an attack instead of a solution.

She said that although a complaint has been registered, minor sections have reportedly been applied in the case, which she alleged attempts to dilute its seriousness. She stated that if it was a murderous attack, strict and appropriate legal action should be taken.

Jigisha Patel further claimed that a person wearing a red cap is visible in footage from the incident, seen making gestures. She said it is unclear whether police have identified the individual but added that they have examined his social media profile and found allegedly provocative and threatening posts. She stated that screenshots of those posts will be shared with the media.

She also alleged that vehicles with black-tinted glasses and without number plates had previously been linked to illegal activities during elections in Gondal. She added that police had recently conducted a drive against such vehicles, including inspections at houses to remove black film from vehicle windows.

Jigisha Patel said she expects justice from the State Home Minister in connection with the matter.