Harikrishna Patel, a 1999-batch retired IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, will soon join BJP. Gujarat BJP President CR Patil greeted Patel in Amreli on Sunday where he indicated that the latter will soon join the party formally.
Confirming his joining, Patel said that he decided to join the BJP so that he can give his time towards strengthening the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A native of Amreli district, Patel has worked in different districts and Commissionerates including Intelligence Bureau. He retired as Vadodara range Inspector General of Police in June this year.
Patel appeared in the headlines for the infamous killing of two Dalits during police firing in Thangadh of Surendranagar district in 2012. As Superintendent of Police of Jamnagar then, Patel was sent to control a mob in Thangadh as SP of Surendranagar was busy looking after the police bandobast for a public function of the then CM of Gujarat Narendra Modi in Chotila. Allegedly, Patel’s commandos opened fire at the Dalit mob from his AK-47, which caused the death of two Dalits.
Patel will join the BJP likely by the end of November this year. Notably, the Gujarat assembly elections are due next year.