Loudspeaker row: Gujarat reports 2 incidents of violence, 1 death

Gujarat has reported two incidents of violence over use of the high-decibel speakers in temples within a week which claimed one life.

In the first case, a 30-year-old man from Mithapur village in Bavla taluka of Ahmedabad along with his nine family members were attacked by nine men with swords, iron rods and machetes over a dispute on playing loudspeakers at a temple on May 2.

Accused Keshu Gohil, Dipak Gohil, Prakash Gohil, Mukesh Gohil, Batuk Gohil, Ghanshyam Gohil, Pradip Gohil, Shanti Gohil and Dashrath Gohil attacked Bharat Rathod, who objected to the noise of the loudspeakers.

Two women of his family also suffered severe injuries in the attack.

On May 4, 42-year-old Jashwant Thakor from a village in Mehsana was beaten to death by members of his own community for playing a loudspeaker at a temple.

Jashwant's elder brother Ajit also suffered severe injuries in the assault and he has been hospitalised.