Patel quota violence: Youth commits suicide in Surat

A 27-year-old Patel youth, who was actively involved in the quota agitation here ended his life allegedly by consuming poisonous substance "out of shock" upon learning about the police action against Patel quota leaders in Mehsana, claim Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leaders.

However, police said that it is a matter of investigation on why the young man committed suicide.

Bhavin Khunt (27), who was associated with quota body PAAS in the city, committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance at his residence in Puna Gam area here last evening, said Surat PAAS convener Nikhil Savani.

According to Savani, Khunt was in deep shock after he learned about the violent clashes between police and Patel agitators at Mehsana, where Patel community members had gathered for a 'Jail Bharo' agitation.

"Khunt was actively involved with PAAS. He was deeply hurt when he learned about police action against Patel agitators in Mehsana yesterday. Out of pain and shock, he consumed poisonous pills at around 7 PM yesterday at his house in Puna Gam area," said Savani.

"He was then rushed to a private hospital in Varachha area, where he died during midnight. Khunt was a native of Babra taluka of Amreli district and settled in Surat since many years. He was into textile marketing," said Savani, adding that Khunt's last rites were performed today afternoon.

Puna Gam police lodged a case in this regard and started further inquiry into the matter.
Though PAAS claims that Khunt ended his life out of shock, police have refused to accept this argument.

According to police inspector of Puna Gam, Vinod Patel, it is matter of investigation as to why Khunt ended his life.

"PAAS claims that Khunt was in shock because of the violence in Mehsana. PAAS also claims that he was harassed by police. Since Khunt was never detained by police, there is no question of harassment. We are yet to find out the exact reasons that led Khunt to commit suicide," said Patel.