342 arrested for attacks on non-Gujaratis, security beefed up
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Non-Gujaratis were targeted and hate messages circulated against them on social media after a native of Bihar was arrested for allegedly raping the toddler on September 28.
The police have so far arrested 342 people from various parts of Gujarat for allegedly attacking non-Gujaratis, especially those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, following the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, a senior officer said on Sunday.
Non-Gujaratis were targeted and hate messages circulated against them on social media after a native of Bihar was arrested for allegedly raping the toddler on September 28.
"Six districts have mainly been affected (by the violence), with Mehsana and Sabarkantha being the worst hit. In these districts, 42 cases have been lodged and so far we have arrested 342 accused. More arrests will be made as names of the accused come up during investigation," Director General of Police Shivanand Jha told reporters.
He said 17 companies of State Reserve Police (SRP) have been deployed in the affected areas.
"Security of areas inhabited by non-Gujaratis and the factories where they work has been increased. Police have also increased patrolling in these areas," he added.
Two cases have been lodged for spreading rumours on social media which led to violence, the DGP said.
Police are interrogating the people who have been arrested for these attacks.
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018
Police are taking action wherever needed. We have registered 3 cases under the IT Act for spreading hatred on social media: Gujarat Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja
I spoke to Gujarat CM y'day. We're in touch with them.They're monitoring situation.Those who've committed a crime should be punished but no bias should be harboured for others: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on violence against UP/Bihar migrants in Gujarat after a rape case in Sabarkantha pic.twitter.com/vrdnddlGW1
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018
Responding to a question about the exodus of non-Gujaratis following the attacks, Jha said they may be leaving for their native states in view of the upcoming festive season.
"If people are leaving for home for a festival, it should not be seen otherwise. I have told my officers to visit residential areas, and if required, visit bus stands and railway stations and if people are found leaving due to fear, (then to) persuade them to come back," he said.
Police officials in Gandhinagar, the worst-affected district, have been directed to organise camps and communicate with local leaders to convince the people to stay, he said.
Additional forces and vehicles are being provided in districts which have asked for them to ensure safety of the non-Gujarati residents, he added.