Huge rally to protest against gruesome killings of three Indians -Atlanta Dunia -

Huge rally to protest against gruesome killings of three Indians

By Ravi R. Ponangi

Macon/Atlanta, GA: Several hundreds of Indians, joined by sympathizers from different communities marched through the streets of Macon, Georgia on September 10, calling for protection to their stores and protesting against the killing of three Indian nationals in recent months in three different incidents. The Middle Georgia Asian American Business Community Association that was formed after the recent brutal killings organized the rally. Lou Patel, a member of the newly formed association, said that the rally was held to draw the attention of the community to these gruesome killings and to appreciate the efforts of the law-enforcement authorities for bringing to book the suspects who are accused of killing Dipak Patel and Jaymal Patel.

Dilipbhai “Danny” Patel was shot dead in a robbery incident at the Lina Food Store in Haddock, Milledgeville on July 15. Dipak Patel was shot dead on August 30 during a robbery incident at the Chevron at 1257 Riverside Drive. Jaymal Patel was shot dead for gains on September 4, while waiting for his brother to get off work at the RaceWay gas station at 5127 Mercer University Drive.

Marchers wearing black ribbons to condole the death of Jaymal Patel, Dipak “Danny” Patel and Dilipbhai “Danny” Patel, and holding placards calling for security in the area walked through New Street, Rosa Parks Square and reached Hart’s Mortuary on Cherry Street. Gas station and convenience store owners from Bibb, Houston, Peach, Monroe, Baldwin, Macon, Pulaski, Crisp, Henry, Coffee, Tift and Lee counties joined the march in full strength.

Macon city Mayor Robert Reichert, Macon lawyer George Greer, Police officials, county officials and law enforcement officials were present at the rally. They assured the protesters that the assassins will be brought to justice and convenience stores made more secure. Law enforcement officials are also planning for installation and use of surveillance cameras in stores and to conduct self-defense classes for employees of convenience stores. After the rally, marchers attended the funeral of Jaymal Patel.