The holy month of Shravan has started and with it, the festival season has also begun in Gujarat. Meanwhile, a shocking incident has come to light in Rajkot district where four members of a Hindu family were stabbed in the Bhagwatipara area of the city. Two members of the family were going from Ashaba Pir to another Hindu family to build a Dasha Ma Vrat mandap, when Muslim youths named Sikandar, Afzal, Sameer and Dared had an altercation with them and later went to their residence and attacked them.
According to the information, the incident is of Bhagwatipara Street No. 9 under Rajkot B Division Police Station. Jagdishbhai Vaghela lives here and runs a mandap service. Mihir and Ashish, his sons do fast food business. Mihir Vaghela is the complainant in the matter. He filed a report at the B Division Police Station and stated that the incident happened on Sunday (4th August). The complaint revealed that Mihir and his brother were in their grocery store when their mother came running and called them home. As soon as the two reached their house and asked their father, he disclosed that they had gone to Ashaba Pir Dargah to set up a mandap for Dasha Ma Vrat and had an argument with the accused.
The complaint mentioned that the perpetrators reached their house with sharp weapons while they were talking and attacked the family. Ashish (19) was stabbed in the stomach during the assault. He is currently receiving treatment and is in a critical state. Others were thrashed as well after which a case has been filed at Rajkot B division. OpIndia has a copy of the First Information Report.
They are Hindus, make sure they die: Mihir narrated the ordeal to OpIndia
We got in touch with the victim family’s eldest son, Mihir Vaghela, to learn more details about the shocking event. He unveiled, “My brother and I were standing when my mother ran over to call us. We went back to inquire and our father told us that he and another person were going on the main road to set up a pandal for the Dasha Ma Vrat of a Hindu family living near the Dargah of Ashaba Pir. On the way, Muslim young men named Sikandar, Afzal, Dared and Sameer stopped them.” He added, “My father told me that the culprits ordered him not to come there next time. My father along with another person had already returned. We were chatting when the four Muslim males came there with sharp objects and attacked us before we could make sense of anything. My parents were also beaten when they came to our aid.”
Mihir further informed, “Meanwhile, Sikandar and Dared caught my younger brother and Afzal stabbed him in the stomach with his knife. The accused declared, ‘They are Hindu boys. They are Hindus. Attack them to the point of death. Struck them with such force that they collapse.’ My brother was covered in blood. Blood was oozing out of his stomach. People from the vicinity then assembled there and the four fled. We admitted my brother to the Civil Hospital right away so that he could receive treatment because of his more severe condition.” He highlighted, “They had come with the intention of killing us,” in response to a question about Ashish’s current state of health. “My brother’s life is still at risk because of the way he was stabbed.” According to Mihir, Ashish is currently stuck between life and death. His condition is very serious. He is still undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital.
Hindu organizations will provide all help to the family – Vishwa Hindu Parishad
The occurrence has also angered the Hindu community and outfits in the area. Hindu groups are furious over the matter. Ashish Seth, the district in charge of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Rajkot, told OpIndia that the family initially filed a complaint at the Bhagwatipara police station. “Sub-inspector Sheikh registered a case under mild sections and arrested the accused. Therefore, there was dissatisfaction in the family. Later they went to B Division Police Station, where Inspector Jadeja assured them of proper investigation.”
On the other hand, Vishwa Hindu Parishad has been in touch with the family and promised them all available assistance. He stated, “All Hindu groups, including the VHP, will support them with whatever they need. We have also spoken to the police and requested them to take strict action as per the rules. The condition of the younger son of the victim family remains critical. The accused stabbed him indiscriminately, shouting ‘He is a Hindu’s son, finish him off’.”
Four accused apprehended and action initiated
It is important to note that shortly after the complaint was filed, all four of the accused were taken into custody. The four brothers Sikandar, Afzal, Dared (also known as Dalio) and Sameer Rauma are the subject of a case filed by the authorities under sections 118(2), 115(2), 352 and 54 NS of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 135 of Gujarat Police Act (GPA). OpIndia attempted but was unable, to reach B Division Police to inquire on the status of the proceedings. The post will be updated as soon as additional information becomes available.
