Tension in Majra Village of Prantij Taluka
In a shocking incident that has shaken north Gujarat, Majra village in Prantij taluka of Sabarkantha district witnessed a violent group clash late last night. What began as a verbal dispute over the management of a village temple quickly escalated into full-scale violence. According to the latest Sabarkantha news reports, the confrontation was linked to an old rivalry involving temple management and a past love marriage, which had created deep divisions between two community groups.
As the situation worsened, both sides started pelting stones at each other, damaging over 100 vehicles and several houses. At least eight people were injured, with three reported to be in serious condition. Police officials confirmed that the situation is now under control, but the village remains tense.
Old Dispute Turns into Major Violence
The violent confrontation took place near the Bhairav Temple in Majra village. The temple’s management has been a subject of dispute between the Patel community and the Thakor community for over a year. Police investigations revealed that the disagreement stemmed from both religious control and old social tensions, including a love marriage involving a Thakor youth named Jagatsinh Makwana, which had caused community-level separation years ago.
When preparations were underway for Diwali celebrations and Garba events in the temple courtyard, a heated argument broke out between the groups. Within minutes, it turned into an intense fight involving sticks, stones, and other weapons.
Over 100 Vehicles Damaged in the Clash
According to DySP A.K. Patel, more than 100 vehicles were damaged in the clash — including 26 cars, over 50 motorcycles, 6 tempos, and 3 tractors. Some vehicles were set on fire, and glass windows and doors of several houses were smashed. The fire department had to rush to the scene to control the flames.
Police have so far filed a case against 120 people, including 60 named individuals, under serious criminal sections.
| Key Facts of the Sabarkantha Majra Village Clash | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Majra Village, Prantij Taluka, Sabarkantha District |
| Main Cause | Old dispute over Bhairav Temple management & personal rivalry |
| Communities Involved | Patel community and Thakor community |
| Injured Persons | Around 8 (3 seriously injured) |
| Vehicles Damaged | Approx. 100 (26 cars, 50+ bikes, 6 tempos, 3 tractors) |
| Property Damage | 10 houses damaged, glass & valuables broken |
| Police Action | 25–30 detained, 120 accused booked |
| Current Situation | Under police control; investigation ongoing |
Eyewitness Accounts: Chaos and Fear in the Village
Eyewitnesses described the violence as “terrifying.” Villagers reported that after the Bhairav temple evening aarti, a group of around 110 to 120 people, armed with sticks, rods, and iron pipes, marched toward Patel households. According to several locals, the mob shouted, “These Patels must be finished today,” before starting the stone pelting.
Villager Rakeshbhai Patel shared that the attackers deliberately targeted Patel homes, breaking glass windows and setting haystacks on fire. “There are nearly 250 Patel families in Majra, and almost all suffered some form of loss,” he said. Another villager, Jagdishbhai Patel, mentioned that tension had been brewing for days, but no one expected such widespread destruction. “The clash was so intense that vehicles and homes were attacked from both sides,” he added.
Police Respond Swiftly to Control the Situation
Upon receiving reports of the violence, Sabarkantha Superintendent of Police and DySP A.K. Patel immediately rushed to Majra village with a large police force. The police cordoned off the area and conducted night-long operations to bring the situation under control. Around 25–30 suspects were detained, and the police presence continues to ensure peace during the ongoing Diwali festivities.
“The violence was the result of an old feud,” said DySP Patel. “We have identified several key instigators and booked 120 people for rioting, property damage, and attempted murder. More arrests are expected as the investigation proceeds.”
Temple Management and Old Feuds Behind the Clash
Police investigations have confirmed that the Bhairavdas Temple dispute was one of the primary triggers of the violence. Until last year, the temple management was handled by the Patel community. However, after disagreements, the control was reportedly taken over by the Thakor community, which fueled resentment among the Patels.
Villagers also pointed to the past love marriage of Jagatsinh Makwana, a member of the Thakor community, as another reason for strained relations. Years ago, Makwana’s inter-community marriage had led to his social separation from the Patel community. The election of his daughter, Shwetaba, as the village Sarpanch further deepened the division.
Locals allege that this combination of religious control, personal rivalry, and festival preparations eventually led to last night’s explosion of violence.
Accusations of Attempted Murder and Arson
According to the official complaint filed by the Patel group, accused Jagjitsinh Jagatsinh Makwana allegedly attacked Suryakantbhai Patel with a baseball bat, while Yuvrajsinh Balvantsinh hit Kirti Patel with an iron pipe, intending to kill him. These acts have been registered as attempted murder under IPC Section 307.
The mob also set fire to an Eco car (registration GJ 09 BC 7314) filled with hay, causing damage estimated at ₹3 lakh. Complainants have further alleged that the attackers threatened them, saying, “If you ever stand against us again, no one will leave this village alive.”
Villagers Demand Strict Action
The Patel community has demanded strict action against all accused persons, emphasizing that innocent families suffered heavy losses. Several homes have been partially burned or vandalized. Villagers claim that despite warnings of minor disputes earlier in the week, authorities did not anticipate such a large-scale confrontation.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Thakor community have denied being the sole instigators, arguing that both sides contributed to the escalation. The police have stated that all evidence — including CCTV footage, mobile videos, and eyewitness accounts — will be carefully examined to identify the real culprits.
Calm Restored, But Tension Persists
By early morning, police forces had managed to bring the situation under control. Additional personnel from nearby stations were deployed to prevent further incidents. Firefighters extinguished the burning vehicles and haystacks, while medical teams treated the injured at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital.
Authorities have reassured residents that peace has been restored, but the atmosphere in the village remains tense. Locals are avoiding gatherings, and police patrolling continues round the clock.
Community Leaders Call for Unity
In response to the violence, local leaders and religious figures have appealed for peace and communal harmony. They emphasized that such incidents only harm the fabric of village life and disturb the festive spirit of Diwali. Efforts are being made by community elders to organize a peace meeting between both groups.
One leader said, “Sabarkantha has always been known for its peace and brotherhood. What happened in Majra should not happen anywhere again.”
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Conclusion
The Majra village clash in Sabarkantha stands as a grim reminder of how old social disputes and religious control issues can spiral into violence when not addressed early. As investigations continue, the police are determined to bring all culprits to justice.
For now, Sabarkantha News remains focused on ensuring accurate reporting and highlighting the importance of unity, peace, and timely conflict resolution in Gujarat’s rural communities.
