In a shocking daylight incident that has renewed concerns over Ahmedabad’s law and order, seven to eight armed men allegedly stormed the office of Vraj Jewellers on Science City Road on Tuesday evening and attacked a well-known builder with knives.
According to a media report, Sanjay Soni, the attack took place around 5 pm, when the assailants—identified as notorious criminal Vikram Rabari and his associates—targeted builder Ketan Patel and businessman Sanjay Bharwad. CCTV footage from the scene reportedly captures five to six men barging into the office before launching the assault.
Soni claimed that when he and his associates attempted to intervene, they too were attacked. During the scuffle, one of Rabari’s associates allegedly struck Bharwad with the back of a knife, while Patel sustained a serious head injury. One of Patel’s associates suffered an ear injury, and two others received minor wounds. In the melee, one of the attackers also hurled a brick at the victims.
Soni further alleged that Rabari, known for his alleged involvement in illegal moneylending rackets, had arrived with his men to threaten and extort money from him. Patel, who is said to be closely associated with the jeweller, resisted the intimidation, prompting the group to attack with knives.
In a serious charge, both Patel and Soni accused the Bodakdev police of refusing to register their First Information Report (FIR). Speaking to reporters, Patel claimed that the investigating officer appeared reluctant to act due to Rabari’s influence.
“They are not registering my complaint because they are afraid of Lukha and his men. Instead, they tried to manipulate the statement,” Patel alleged.
The alleged police inaction triggered a protest outside the Bodakdev police station, where a crowd gathered, demanding immediate registration of the complaint and the arrest of the accused.
However, senior police officials denied that the FIR was refused. Speaking to Gujarat Samachar Digital, Bodakdev police said preliminary inquiries suggested that Soni and Rabari had been in business for the past six years and that some payments were overdue from Soni’s side. Rabari had allegedly visited the office to discuss the matter, with Patel mediating between the two. “An argument broke out, leading to the fight,” a police officer said.
Bodakdev police in-charge said officers had contacted the victims three times, asking them to come to the station to file their complaint. “We were ready to register the FIR. The victims wanted extortion charges added, but no such incident occurred. We are ready to investigate the assault and use of weapons as per the law,” the officer stated.
The attack, which happened during rush hour on a busy commercial stretch, has deepened public concern over the audacity of criminal elements in the city. CCTV footage from the jeweller’s office has been seized for further review.
The victims are expected to meet Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G. S. Malik on Wednesday afternoon to demand action. Further updates are awaited.