The Patel community has been protesting for months under the leadership of 22-year-old Hardik Patel.
A man belonging to the Patel community, which has been agitating for reservation in government colleges and jobs, allegedly committed suicide here today saying he had taken the extreme step for supporting the ongoing stir, police said.
"Umesh Patel, aged around 34, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself with the ceiling of his factory in Vavadi area in the city's outskirt," Sub-Inspector Nagjibhai Gardhara of Rajkot taluka police station said.
Police have recovered a suicide note in which he clearly mentioned that he took the extreme step in support of the Patel reservation agitation.
"I seek apology from all my brothers from the Patidar community because I could not remain with you in this agitation. My sacrifice should not go into vain," states the note.
Before killing himself, Patel also sent a message through messaging service saying, "When you will get this message, I would have gone so far from you. Please forgive me, as I am your brother, but please continue this fight for reservation. My sacrifice should not go into vain."
Mr Gardhara said his body has been sent for a post-mortem in civil hospital here and investigations are underway.
The Patel community under the leadership of 22-year-old Hardik Patel has been demanding reservation under the other backward classes quota since earlier this year.