Gujarat: Three held for killing former sarpanch over political rivalry

Surendranagar, Jan 25 (PTI) Three persons have been arrested for allegedly killing a former village sarpanch over political rivalry in Gujarat's Surendranagar district, said a police official on Wednesday.

As per the FIR (first information report), the 49-year-old victim, Govind Goliya, a former sarpanch of Shekhaliya village under Chotial taluka of Surendranagar district, was hacked to death on Tuesday evening by three villagers who were angry with Goliya as he had contested the previous election for the post despite their warning.

The accused trio has been identified as Gandu Kumarkhania, Rajni Kumarkhania and Bharat Kumarkhania, all residents of Shekhaliya village.

They allegedly intercepted Goliya on the outskirts of the village on Tuesday evening and attacked him with an axe, leading to his death, said the police official.

"The trio had a grudge against Goliya due to political rivalry regarding the sarpanch election. Goliya died after being hit by an axe on his head. All the three accused have been arrested," said Deputy Superintendent of Police, VB Jadeja.

According to Goliya's son Jayram, his father was the sarpanch of Shekhaliya in the past but lost the election in 2021. PTI COR PJT RSY RSY