An old political enmity was said to be the cause of the clash. The two groups had fought between themselves several times in the past, police sources said.

According to District Superintendent of Police Shamsher Singh, the 1987 village panchayat elections, in which Ravjibhai was elected sarpanch, triggered the dispute between the two groups. Ravjibhai, Kabai and Himmat had all been sentenced to 12 years in jail on charges of murdering three members of the rival group.

Singh said the deceased had been externed for two years after release from jail, and returned to their villages just six months ago. However, they did not complain again of any threats or seek security. But Baria complained that he and his family had been threatened by the former sarpanch's group. Ranchhodbhai Ahir, Police Station Officer of the Vernama police station, when contacted, told Express Newsline that Baria and his supporters assaulted the former sarpanch and his family members with sticks, axes and sharp weapons.