Caste violence in Gujarat: Sarpanch and his associates beat up a Dalit family when they requested them not to damage the drain

A gang of casteist men attacked the Dalit family, using weapons like sticks and gada paatu. The attackers also pelted stones and tried to break down the door of the family’s home.

Published on: 17 Jul 2025, 3:23 pm

Patan – A minor dispute took a violent turn when the village sarpanch and his associates brutally attacked a Dalit family in Datrana village of Santalpur taluka in Patan district of Gujarat on July 16. The incident started when a Dalit man requested them not to damage the drain constructed in front of his house.

Enraged over this petty issue, the sarpanch and his associates not only used caste-related slurs but also attacked the family members with weapons like sticks and gadda paatu. This incident is yet another example of rising caste violence against the Dalit community in Gujarat, highlighting social inequality and the apathy of the local administration.

According to the information given in the FIR, on July 16, at around 6:30 pm, Sarpanch Jeevanbhai Savabhai Ahir was removing mud from the road with a JCB machine in Datrana village. During this, Madebhai Dhawal of the Dalit community requested him not to damage the drain built in front of his house, so that water does not spread on the road and dirt can be avoided. The Sarpanch got angry at this and started abusing Madebhai, which included caste-related slurs. After this, the Sarpanch attacked Madebhai with a gadda patu (a type of tool).

When Madeobhai’s family members Muljibhai Danabhai Dhaval, Naranbhai, his wife Upaben, Mayurbhai and Vinodbhai etc. intervened to save him, the Sarpanch called his companions. These included Kishanbhai Jeevanbhai Ahir, Bhachabhai alias Bhappu Patabhai Ahir, Virambhai Savabhai Ahir, Parbatbhai Lalabhai Ahir, Savabhai Lalabhai Ahir, Dalabhai Lalabhai Ahir and other unknown persons.

These people ganged up and attacked the Dalit family, using weapons like sticks and gadda pattu. In the attack, Naranbhai, Upaben, Muljibhai, Mayurbhai and Vinodbhai suffered serious injuries, especially on the back and head. The attackers also pelted stones and tried to break the door of the family’s house.

The attackers threatened that “we have escaped today, but next time we will kill you.” The injured were taken to the government hospital in Santalpur by 108 ambulance, where they were given first aid. After this, Muljibhai Danabhai Dhawal lodged a complaint at the Santalpur police station.

The complaint was registered under sections 3(1)(r) (intentional insult of a Scheduled Caste/Tribe person) and 3(1)(s) (use of caste-based slur against a Scheduled Caste/Tribe person) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC/ST Act) along with sections of the BNS.

The names in the FIR are sarpanch Jeevanbhai Savabhai Ahir, Kishanbhai Jeevanbhai Ahir, Bhachabhai alias Bhappo Patabhai Ahir, Virambhai Savabhai Ahir, Parbatbhai Lalabhai Ahir, Savabhai Lalabhai Ahir and Dalabhai Lalabhai Ahir.

Narendrabhai M Parmar, a social activist from Patan, says that this incident in Datrana village is proof that caste mentality is still deeply rooted in the society.

Incidents of caste violence against Dalits are being reported repeatedly in Gujarat. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than 1,500 cases were registered under the SC/ST Act in Gujarat in 2023, reflecting the growing atrocities against the Dalit community. In many cases, especially in rural areas, Dalits are subjected to social boycott, humiliation and violence. Such violence often begins over minor disputes, such as personal lifestyle or participation in social activities.