New Delhi: Political activist and Patidar leader Hardik Patel and his two aides were found guilty of vandalizing BJP MLA’s office in Visanagar and has been now awarded two years of prison time in the 2015 riots case.
The Patidar leader acting calmly in advance has appealed his followers to maintain peace in case he is sentenced prison time ahead of the court’s verdict through his video message he posted on FB, Indian Express reported.
According to the reports back in 2015, a mob of around 3000 to 5000 people had reportedly vandalized BJP MLA Rushikesh Patel’s office during the Patidar reservation protests demanding reservation of Patidars in Government jobs and educational institutions leaving 14 people dead during the protest.
Hardik and 16 others were charged with arson, rioting, and criminal conspiracy in the 2015 riots case. Though Hardik was arrested, he was later released on bail and was even barred from entering the Mehsana District by the court.
In an effort to revive the Patidar protest, the leader earlier this month had announced to go an indefinite fast from August 25 if their demands are not fulfilled.
“Reservation is our priority and we will continue to fight for it….This is our last fight. Either I will give my life or we will get the reservation. I need your support for this. The fight has come to the last phase… Reservation is our primary issue and we will continue to fight for it,” Hardik said in a video message.