File Photo: Members of Patidar Patel community holding a protest demanding reservation in education and government jobs in Gandhinagar (PTI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today denied that her government gave orders to police to lathicharge the protesters at a rally in Ahmedabad, which led to violent protests and backlash by the Patel community members demanding reservation.
The lathicharge by police and brief detention of community leader Hardik Patel yesterday had set off violence across the state, leading to imposition of curfew at many places and death of at least three persons.
"I have already ordered an inquiry into the lathicharge incident at GMDC ground. Gujarat DGP is conducting the probe. Government is waiting for the report. This government did not gave any orders for lathicharge yesterday or using excess force," said Ms Patel.
She interacted with reporters after the Legislative Assembly was adjourned for the day on the first day of the monsoon session.