Hundreds of people, mostly Dalits, took to the streets in Gujarat?s Gondal, approximately 250 kilometers from Ahmedabad, to protest against an alleged caste-based attack on Sanjay Solanki, a functionary of the Opposition Congress?s student wing, the National Students? Union of India (NSUI).
Solanki claimed he was kidnapped and taken to a deserted farm in Gondal, where he was threatened with a firearm in the presence of Jyotiradityasinh Jadeja, the 25-year-old son of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Geetaba Jadeja. Jyotiradityasinh was arrested on June 6 in connection with the incident.
The First Information Report (FIR) filed in the case includes Solanki's statement that some individuals at the farm forced him to remove his clothes while others recorded videos of the alleged assault. This incident followed an earlier altercation between Jyotiradityasinh and Solanki on May 30 over the former?s reckless driving.
Yuva Bhim Sena Gujarat founder DD Solanki, who participated in the protest on Wednesday, stated, "We organized a rally to send a message against an attempt by Jyotiradityasinh?s father, Jayrajsinh Jadeja, and his men to silence Gondal?s people by muscle power. We will not be intimidated. For the first time, the Jadeja family has faced such a public protest."
The protesters demanded action against Sanjay Solanki?s attackers, a fast-track court for the speedy disposal of the case, and an end to lawlessness in Gondal. The demonstration saw participation from around 10,000 people from approximately 200 villages.
In response, supporters of Jayrajsinh Jadeja called for a bandh (shutdown) in Gondal, leading to the closure of the local market for the day. Jadeja maintained they had not officially called for a bandh but expressed gratitude to the people who voluntarily shut shops. "The bandh was peaceful. I am thankful to all communities, including the Dalits, who have supported the bandh call, and their leaders did not join the rally?the people of Gondal will answer," he said.
Jadeja refused to comment directly on the allegations against his son. "Some of the people in the rally made some allegations, but I would not like to comment on such people, and there is a difference between them and me. I have full faith in the law, and that justice will be delivered," he added.
