A man named Devshi Koli asked the youth for his glasses. When Solanki refused, Devshi made casteist remarks, leading to an argument.
The three men together beat Solanki with punches and kicks and threatened to kill him. When villagers gathered, the accused fled on motorcycles.
Patan – A case of caste-based violence has come to light in Piprala village of Santalpur taluka in Patan district of Gujarat, where a 26-year-old Dalit laborer, Tulsi Solanki, was attacked. Three men attacked him with sticks, fists, and kicks, hurled casteist abuses, and threatened to kill him after he refused to lend one of them his glasses. The incident took place on Tuesday evening around 7 pm near the Hanuman temple.
Tulsi Solanki was standing near the Hanuman temple on Tuesday evening. At that time, a man named Devshi Koli asked him for his glasses. When Solanki refused, Devshi made casteist remarks, leading to an argument. About 30 minutes later, Devshi returned on a motorcycle with his accomplice Bhikhu Koli and started abusing and questioning Solanki again.
Solanki’s parents, Vela and Demaben, also arrived at the spot and started protesting against the accused. Meanwhile, the third accused, Mandan Koli, arrived on another motorcycle with a stick. Mandan struck Solanki on his left shoulder with the stick, causing him to fall. Then Mandan hit him on the knee of his left leg. Bhikhu Koli pushed Solanki’s father to the ground. The three together beat Solanki with punches and kicks and threatened to kill him. When villagers gathered, the accused fled on motorcycles.
Solanki sustained serious injuries in the attack. He was first taken to Santalpur Government Hospital, where after primary treatment, he was referred to Dharpur Hospital. His condition is reported to be stable, but the injuries are serious. The victim’s family filed a complaint at the Santalpur police station late Tuesday night. The police have registered a case against Devshi Koli, Bhikhu Koli, and Mandan Koli under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In addition, relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been applied.
The Santalpur police have launched an investigation, but the accused have not yet been arrested. The police say they will apprehend the accused soon.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy: Hindi News