Gujarat Father Dies by Suicide at Spot Where Son Was Killed in 2012 Police Firing
A Gujarat man died by suicide at the same railway spot where his son was killed in the 2012 Thangadh police firing, renewing calls for the probe report.
In a tragic turn linked to the 2012 Thangadh police firing case, a 53-year-old man died by suicide at the same location where his teenage son was killed 14 years ago.
Amarshibhai Sumra jumped in front of a moving train between Thangadh and Lakhmanchi in Surendranagar district. His 16-year-old son, Pankaj Sumra, was among three Dalit youths who lost their lives in police firing in September 2012.
The original incident followed a clash between Dalit and Bharwad community members during the Tarnetar fair. Police opened fire, killing Pankaj Sumra, Mehul Rathod, and Prakash Parmar. The firing raised widespread questions about police action across Gujarat.
The state government formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter. The team visited Thangadh, inspected the fairgrounds and railway gate, took measurements, and recorded video of the site.
Despite 14 years passing, the families say justice has not been delivered and the investigation report has not been made public. Amarshibhai had been fighting for justice since his son's death. Family members said he was deeply disturbed on Raksha Bandhan after seeing his daughters grieving for their late brother.
He took his life near the memorial built for the three youths. Railway police reached the spot and began an investigation, raising renewed questions over when the probe report will be made public and when the families will finally get justice.