Patel quota row: Man commits suicide in support of agitation in Gujarat

Rajkot: A man belonging to the Patel community, which has been agitating for reservation under OBC category, allegedly committed suicide here on Friday saying he had taken the extreme step for supporting the ongoing stir, police said.

"Umesh Patel, aged around 34, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself with the ceiling of his factory in Vavadi area in the city's outskirt," Sub-Inspector Nagjibhai Gardhara of Rajkot taluka police station said.

Police have recovered a purported suicide note in which he clearly mentioned that he took the extreme step in support of the Patel reservation agitation.

"I seek apology from all my brothers from the Patidar (Patel community) because I could not remain with you in this agitation. My sacrifice should not go into vain," states the note.

Before killing himself, Patel also sent message on 'Whatsapp' - a social messaging service saying, "When you will get this message, I would have gone so far from you. Please forgive me, as I am your brother, but please continue this fight for reservation. My sacrifice should not go into vain."

Gardhara said his body has been sent for a post-mortem in civil hospital here and investigations are underway.

The Patel community under the leadership of 22-year-old Hardik Patel has been demanding reservation under OBC quota for the past several days.