Caste-Based Violence in Gujarat: Sarpanch and his associates brutally beat a Dalit family for requesting them not to damage a drain.
Caste-based individuals attacked a Dalit family, using weapons such as sticks and mace. The attackers also pelted stones and tried to break down the door of the family’s home.
Patan – On July 16, a minor dispute escalated into a violent attack on a Dalit family in Datrana village, Santalpur taluka, Patan district, Gujarat, when the village sarpanch and his associates launched a deadly attack on a Dalit family. The incident began when a Dalit man requested them not to damage a drain constructed in front of his house.
Enraged by this minor issue, the sarpanch and his associates not only used caste-based slurs but also attacked the family members with weapons such as sticks and mace. This incident is another example of the increasing caste-based violence against the Dalit community in Gujarat, highlighting social inequality and the indifference of the local administration.
According to the FIR, on July 16th, at around 6:30 p.m., Datrana village sarpanch Jeevanbhai Savabhai Ahir was removing mud from the road with a JCB machine. During this, Madeobhai Dhawal, a Dalit, requested him not to damage the drain in front of his house to prevent water from spilling onto the road and avoid dirt. This enraged the sarpanch and he began abusing Madeobhai, including caste-based slurs. The sarpanch then attacked Madeobhai with a gadda patu (a type of tool).
When Madeobhai’s family members, Muljibhai Danabhai Dhawal, Naranbhai, his wife Upaben, Mayurbhai, and Vinodbhai, 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 unidentified individuals.
These individuals attacked the Dalit family in a coordinated manner, using weapons such as sticks and mace. Naranbhai, Upabhen, Muljibhai, Mayurbhai, and Vinodbhai suffered serious injuries, particularly to their backs and heads. The attackers also pelted stones and tried to break down the door of the family’s home.
The attackers threatened, “You escaped today, but next time we will kill you.” The injured were taken to the government hospital in Santalpur by 108 ambulance, where they received first aid. Muljibhai Danabhai Dhaval subsequently filed a complaint at the Santalpur police station.
The complaint has been filed under sections 3(1)(r) (intentionally insulting a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste/Tribe) and 3(1)(s) (using caste-based slurs against a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste/Tribe) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC/ST Act), along with sections of the BNS.
The FIR names Sarpanch Jivanbhai Savabhai Ahir, Kishanbhai Jivanbhai Ahir, Bhachabhai alias Bhappo Patabhai Ahir, Virambhai Savabhai Ahir, Parbatbhai Lalabhai Ahir, Savabhai Lalabhai Ahir, and Dalabhai Lalabhai Ahir.
Social activist Narendrabhai M. Parmar from Patan says that the incident in Datrana village is proof that caste mentality is still deeply rooted in society.
Incidents of caste-based violence against Dalits are frequently occurring in Gujarat. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, more than 1,500 cases were registered under the SC/ST Act in Gujarat in 2023, reflecting rising atrocities against the Dalit community. In many cases, especially in rural areas, Dalits are subjected to social exclusion, humiliation, and violence. This violence often stems from minor disputes, such as personal lifestyle or participation in social activities.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy: Hindi News
