Dalit man beaten, abused for visiting temple in Gujarat village
Himatnagar (Gujarat): A Dalit labourer from Khedawada Lakshmipura village in Gujarat’s Himatnagar was allegedly beaten and abused with casteist slurs after he expressed his wish to visit a temple. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Shailesh Solanki, a daily-wage worker, has lodged a complaint with the Himatnagar rural police.
According to the FIR, the incident took place on the evening of September 26 near a crossroads in Balochpur. Solanki was waiting for transport when Bharat Patel, a resident of Dhanpura, stopped him and questioned his presence in the area. When Solanki explained that he was on his way to the Kal Bhairav temple, Patel demanded proof of his identity.
Solanki said he showed his Aadhaar card, after which Patel noticed his surname and asked if he belonged to a Scheduled Caste. Upon learning that Solanki was a Dalit, Patel allegedly began hurling casteist abuses and slapped him several times, questioning why a Dalit had come to a temple at night.
Two men from Titpur village, Narendrasinh Parmar and Jagatsinh Parmar, intervened and stopped the assault. However, Patel allegedly forced Solanki onto his scooter, took him to a secluded spot near Ghorwada, and threatened him with dire consequences if he returned.
Solanki later informed his family and met the two witnesses who had intervened. Based on his complaint, the police registered a case under sections related to assault and criminal intimidation, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ranji Trophy final: Paras Dogra headbutts Karnataka substitute during heated Day 2 in Hubballi
Huballi: Tempers flared on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy final as Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra was involved in an ugly on-field incident with Karnataka substitute fielder KV Aneesh at the Hubballi Cricket Ground.
The confrontation took place in the 101st over of Jammu and Kashmir’s first innings. Dogra, who was batting with Kanhaiya Wadhawan during a key partnership, edged a delivery from Prasidh Krishna for a boundary. Soon after, he exchanged words with Aneesh, who was fielding at forward short leg.
What began as a verbal exchange quickly turned physical. In a sudden outburst, Dogra moved towards Aneesh and headbutted him while still wearing his helmet. The act left players and officials stunned, forcing the umpires to intervene immediately.
Senior Karnataka batter Mayank Agarwal stepped in and confronted Dogra, while the umpires worked to calm the situation. At the end of the over, Dogra apologised, but Aneesh appeared visibly upset and did not accept the apology on the field.
The tension did not stop there. Agarwal and KL Rahul were also seen engaging in sharp exchanges with the Jammu and Kashmir skipper. Moments later, another heated moment unfolded when Karnataka pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak and Wadhawan came face to face after accidental contact during a run. Teammates and officials again had to step in to prevent matters from escalating further.
Despite the dramatic scenes, Jammu and Kashmir continued to stay in control of the match. The team crossed the 350-run mark in the first innings, building on the strong start made on Day 1.
Earlier, Shubham Pundir had anchored the innings with a well-made 121. Yawer Hassan contributed 88 runs, while Abdul Samad added 61, putting Karnataka under sustained pressure in the final.
