Patan- A heart-wrenching incident has come to light in Pipala village, Santalpur taluka of Patan district, Gujarat, where 70-year-old Dalit elderly man Harji Bhai Deva Bhai Solanki was allegedly burned alive in the neighboring Jakhota village. Dalit leader and Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani stated that he spoke with the Patan District Superintendent of Police, who confirmed the incident. However, the police have not yet disclosed the reasons behind the killing, and the investigation is ongoing. The victim’s body was found wearing women’s clothing and anklets, making the incident even more suspicious.

This incident is being seen as another link in the chain of increasing violence against the Dalit community in Gujarat. MLA Jignesh Mevani expressed deep sorrow over the incident and tweeted, “Despite all its claims of development, Gujarat is becoming a hell for Dalits.” He has appealed to all activists and citizens to gather at the Civil Hospital in Dharpur, Patan, to demand justice for the victim’s family.

Mevani has demanded that the government provide adequate compensation to the victim’s family and allocate 2 acres of agricultural land to them. He described the incident as yet another example of atrocities against the Dalit community and called for immediate action. According to the Patan police, a preliminary investigation has been initiated. The police stated that Harji Bhai’s murder took place in Jakhota village, and his body was sent to the Civil Hospital in Dharpur for a postmortem. The motive behind the killing is still unclear. The police have started questioning local residents and have increased security arrangements in the area due to the prevailing tension.

This incident has sparked significant outrage within the local Dalit community. Several social organizations and activists have come forward in support of the victim’s family. Tension is prevailing in Jakhota and Pipala villages, and locals are demanding strict action against those responsible for this brutal incident.

MLA Jignesh Mevani said, “I just spoke with the District Superintendent of Police, who confirmed the incident, but the reasons behind it are still unknown! It is with great sorrow that I must say, despite all its claims of development, Gujarat is becoming a hell for Dalits! The government must provide adequate compensation to the victim’s family and 2 acres of agricultural land!” Mevani appealed to the Dalit community, stating that they must strongly protest against the atrocities, assaults, murders, and horrific incidents like being burned alive that are happening to Dalits under the BJP regime.