Patidar leader Hardik Patel hasbeen sentenced to two years in jail in connection with a case of vandalism at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Rushikesh Patel's office in Visnagar during 2015 Patidar protests.
A Visnagar court in Gujarat announced the verdict on Wednesday. Patel's lawyer soon after moved a bail plea in the court.
Along with Hardik, Sardar Parel Group (SPG) convener Lalji Patel and another Patidar leader Ambalal Patel have also been found guilty and have been sentenced to two years in jail each with a fine of Rs 50,000. The trio has been convicted under 147.148.149 427 and 435.
Ahead of the court verdict, Patel, in a video message posted on his Facebook page, had appealed to his supporters to remain calm in case it goes against him.
In 2015, a mob of around 3000 to 5000 people vandalised BJP MLA Rushikesh Patel’s office during the patidar reservation protests. A total of 17 people, including Hardik, were charged with arson, rioting, and criminal conspiracy.
Hardik, who was arrested and released on bail, was banned by the court from entering Mehsana district in connection with this case. The protests demanding reservation for patidars in government jobs and educational institutions had turned violent, leaving 14 dead in police firing.