Gandhinagar, April 24: Congress candidate from Mehsana Jivabhai Patel, who was taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital after an attack on him on the election day, has suffered injuries in spinal cord, right ear and a minor blood clot in the brain.
The spinal cord injury appears to be serious, making it difficult for him to walk properly, while the damaged eardrum has created a hearing problem for him. “The doctors have prescribed medicines and physiotherapy for the damaged spinal cord. If this doesn’t work in a month’s time, I may have to undergo a surgery for the spinal cord injury,” Jivabhai told the Express Newsline from his hospital-bed in Mumbai on Saturday.
The blood clot was dissolved using drugs.
The Surat-based textile businessman was attacked by his political rivals when he went to Laghnaj village to check out on a complaint of bogus voting there.
After primary treatment at a Mehsana hospital, Patel was taken to the Mumbai hospital for a detailed check-up late on April 20 by his family.
He was under observation for the night and is reported to be progressing well.
Patel said he was permitted to speak only on Saturdday and he expected to be relieved from the hospital in a couple of days. He said he will go straight to Manknaj village in Mehsana to meet his family members and supporters.
Recounting the attack on him, he said, “When I heard about bogus voting, I rushed to Laghnaj and told the village sarpanch not to indulge in unfair means to ensure victory for BJP nominee Nitin Patel. Soon, a mob of BJP workers started pelting stones at me and my supporters. I also received lathi blows in the attack.’’
He blamed his rival candidate, BJP’s Nitinbhai Patel, for the attack and claimed that Patel’s frustration was evident “from the beginning when he raised the issue of my domicile”.
Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent of Police S K Dave said 13 persons had been arrested in connection with the incident. More arrests will follow as the investigations progress, he said.
Dave said since Patel was shifted to Mumbai, his detailed statement could not be recorded
