Gujarat BJP woman councillor, family harassed on way to Garba event, 3 arrested

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) woman municipal councillor and her family were allegedly harassed, threatened and subjected to obscene behaviour while travelling to a Raas Garba event in Ahmedabad on Saturday night. Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.The incident began near Fatehwadi Canal after an argument over giving way to another car. According to police, the dispute escalated when the accused, identified as Shoaib Shah Fakir, allegedly stopped the councillor’s car, abused her family and engaged in misconduct.The councillor was travelling from Isanpur with her son and two other people. The group was using Google Maps to reach the Garba venue when the altercation took place. Although people gathered at the spot and the family subsequently continued its journey, their car was allegedly stopped again near Sarkhej.Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) AB Valand said Shoaib Shah Fakir and two other men allegedly threatened and harassed the councillor and her family during the second confrontation. When the councillor rolled down her car window to speak to the men, they allegedly grabbed her hand and tried to pull her out of the vehicle. The accused also allegedly attempted to break the car window and open its door. The vehicle’s side mirror was damaged during the incident, according to the police account.The family sought assistance by calling the emergency helpline 112. Police reached the spot and initiated action following the complaint. Vejalpur police registered a case against three accused, including Shoaib Shah Fakir, over allegations of molestation, assault and obscene behaviour. All three have been arrested, and further legal proceedings are underway.- Ends