AHMEDABAD: As many as 20 Dalits were injured in an attack by a mob led by members of the Darbar community at Pankhan village of Keshod taluka in Junagadh district on Saturday. The condition of four of the injured is reported to be critical.

Minister of State for Home Haren Pandya rushed to Junagadh for a review of the situation. Additional SRP companies from Gondal were rushed to the spot to prevent further violence.

The Dalits were clearing a huge plot of waste land on the outskirts of the village when some Darbars raised objections. This led to heated exchanges. Soon the altercation turned violent.

An 80-strong mob attacked the Dalits with pipes, sticks, and sharp weapons injuring at least 20 people. Panic gripped the area and many Dalits ran for their life.

Following the incident, Saurashtra range IGP P L Jani and Junagadh DSP Keshavkumar rushed to the spot and admitted the injured to hospital amid tight security.

Darbar Kala Anand and 34 others have been identified as the main culprits and arrested. Charges of rioting, attempting to murder and criminal conspiracy have been registered against all the 35 persons. Security has been beefed up around the spot of incident.