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Nehru Made Kashmir Issue Controversial, India Got Extremism, Separatism From There: Adityanath
Lucknow, Dec 15: Uttar Pradesh Chief Yogi Adityanath on Monday blamed Jawaharlal Nehru for the extremism and separatism emanating from Kashmir, and alleged that the first prime minister of India made the issue so controversial that it continues to sting the country even now. Addressing an event on the 75th death anniversary of the countrys first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he referred to the integration of over 560 princely states into the Union of India and pointed to Junagadh [] The post Nehru Made Kashmir Issue Controversial, India Got Extremism, Separatism From There: Adityanath appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SIR in Gujarat: More than 17 lakh deceased voters found on electoral rolls
AHMEDABAD : The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Gujarat has revealed that more than 17 lakh deceased voters were still included in the existing voter list across the state, said a release by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Thursday. The SIR exercise began in Gujarat on November 4 with booth level officers (BLO) distributing enumeration forms in their designated areas, said the release, adding the campaign is to continue till December 11. During the last one month, enumeration forms have been distributed to more than 5 crore voters registered in the 2025 electoral roll. In most of the 33 districts, 100 per cent form distribution has been completed. Digitization work of the returned forms is currently going on. So far, digitization work has been completed in 12 out of 182 assembly constituencies, it said. These include Dhanera and Tharad of Banaskantha district, Limkheda, Dahod (ST) of Dahod district, Bayad of Aravalli district, Dhoraji, Jasdan and Gondal of Rajkot district, Keshod of Junagadh district, Mehmadabad of Kheda district, Khambhat of Anand district and Jalalpore of Navsari district. Dang district is at the forefront in this work with 94.35 per cent digitization of the counting forms, said the release. During this exercise, it was revealed that 17 lakh deceased voters were still included in the electoral roll across the state. While more than 6.14 lakh voters were found absent from their addresses. It has been noticed that more than 30 lakh voters have permanently migrated, the release said. BLOs found more than 3.25 lakh voters in the epeated category, which means that their names are found at more than one places, said the release. Vadodara BLO assistant dies on duty amid rising SIR workload concerns; four deaths in four days across Gujarat 'I cant do this SIR work anymore...': Gujarat teacher dies by suicide, cites BLO workload pressure
Gujarat faces fresh political storm as ex-cabinet Minister Chavda highlights unemployment crisis
AHMEDABAD: Former BJP cabinet minister Jawahar Chavda has triggered a political storm in Gujarat politics with a fiery 'Employment Assistance Campaign', unleashing a direct attack on the States unemployment crisis, paper leaks, and systemic failures. His videos, interactions with youngsters, and bold admission, stating, we too have failed somewhere, have electrified Saurashtras political ground, triggering fresh tremors inside an already divided BJP ahead of the 2027 polls. Chavda becoming suddenly active, vocal, and unfiltered has created a fresh narrative in Gujarats political landscape. For months, Chavda, who has long been uneasy within the BJP, remained on the sidelines. Now, he has detonated the new campaign on unemployment, and every sentence he utters is landing as a political punch. His re-entry began with a video message on social media where he declared, Enough is enough, talk will not work. This single line signalled the storm he was about to unleash. On November 24, Chavda returned with another hard-hitting video, this time sitting with unemployed youngsters, listening to their rage, and amplifying their anguish. Gujarat: BJP Gen Sec meets family of late ex-CM Rupani amid internal rifts, sparks political speculation One after another, he targeted the government machinery, linking mismanagement to frustration and frustration to the simmering political heat in Saurashtra. In his detailed video address on social media, Chavda said, Today I am presenting my dialogue echoing pains, opinions and wounds of thousands of young unemployed brothers and sisters over the last eight months. Unemployment has spread across every class, society, caste and region. There is no coordination in departments, no system that works. Even big companies fail to give jobs to locals, and on top of that, they behave rudely. He blamed paper leaks, faulty recruitment, and wrong selection methods for a deepening sense of betrayal among Gujarats youth. He did not spare himself either, This is a social responsibility in which we all have failed somewhere, he boldly admitted. With this candour, Chavda began his political march, announcing plans to visit taluka headquarters from September 1, 2025, collecting representations of unemployed youth and women. His campaign doesnt merely highlight problems; it provides a stage for unheard voices. The anger of unemployed women, he noted, is even sharper. Drawing from his earlier BPL assistance drives, he said, It is painful that even today employment remains a serious struggle for women. Educated daughters do not get opportunities as corruption blocks their path. Widowed mothers are forced into helplessness. Even in cities, women are denied equal wages and fair chances. The campaign has erupted right when the Junagadh BJP is cracking under internal factionalism, visible in both the Lok Sabha and Visavadar by-elections. Chavdas sudden activism on a politically explosive issue is seen as a strategic, calibrated move. Political insiders argue he is preparing for a 2027 comeback, building a strong grassroots base while tightening pressure on the BJP, where he has been increasingly disenchanted. Chavdas political journey has always been marked by sharp turns. Being a four-time Congress MLA (1990, 2007, 2012, 2017), he dramatically crossed over to the BJP in 2019, defeated Congresss Arvind Ladani in a bypoll, and became a cabinet minister in the Rupani government. However, cracks appeared last year after he publicly countered Porbandar MP and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on social media. Now, with the unemployment storm he has stirred, Chavda has placed himself back in the spotlight, forcing both BJP and Congress to reassess the political battlefield of Saurashtra.
Gujarat witnesses five farmers' suicides in a month as unseasonal rains shatter Saurashtra region
AHMEDABAD: With 42-year-old farmer, Shailesh Devjibhai Savaliya, from Junagadh turning out to be the fifth farmer to die by suicide in just one month, Gujarats Saurashtra is reeling under a grim wave of agrarian despair. Unseasonal rains, failed crops, and crushing debt have triggered a chain of tragedies, exposing the widening cracks in the States rural crisis despite government relief claims. Savaliya's suicide tightens the noose of fear that already hangs heavy over the countryside. It comes as a chilling reminder that the agrarian crisis is no longer a distant concern but a relentless, daily reality. Savaliya, a father of two, survived with his ten-and-a-half bigha farmland. He had sown groundnut, onion and tur, hoping for a harvest that could help him repay debts and push his family through another year. Drowning in debt and terrified of the hunger and humiliation awaiting his family, following unseasonal rains, Savaliya walked to his field and consumed poison, an act that echoed the silent scream of thousands battling similar torment. His brother, Prafulbhai Devjibhai Savaliya, broke down talking about the pain behind the tragedy. Shaileshbhai was shattered. He hid much of his suffering, but we saw the stress killing him every day. He felt cornered, hopeless. Out of sheer despair, he went to the field and drank poison he believed there was no path ahead for him, he said. Visavadar police rushed to the spot, registering a case and launching an investigation based on family statements. Preliminary findings pointed to financial collapse caused by crop failure, a pattern now becoming terrifyingly repetitive across Gujarat. Shaileshbhais death has intensified panic among farmers already gasping under erratic weather and rising liabilities, triggering urgent questions about the states preparedness to confront the spiralling agrarian crisis. Saurashtra had recorded four farmer suicides, each driven by the driven by deadly combination of unseasonal rains, damaged crops and unforgiving debt. 1. Rajkot: 50-year-old Dilipbhai Virdiya (Ardoi village, Kotdasangani taluka). He consumed poison late Saturday night in his farmland. His son Utsav said, He was tense for 1520 days after the unseasonal rains. We lost around Rs 10 lakh. Dilipbhai had taken loans to sow cumin, onion and groundnut across 28 bighas, including land borrowed and land owned. Last years marriage expenses for his daughter had already pushed him into a tight spot. Unseasonal rains crushed his hope, village sarpanch Narshi Gajera confirmed. 2. Rajkot: Danabhai Ramjibhai Jadav (Rahamiya village, Vinchiya taluka) Danabhai died by hanging at home. His family said he had cultivated groundnut and tur on 14 bighas, but unexpected monsoon patterns left him buried under losses. Vinchiya Police have begun probing, but villagers say that his death was caused by broken promises and brutal weather. 3. Gir Somnath: Ghafar Musa Unad (Revad village, Una taluka) On November 3, he tied an electric wire around his waist and jumped into a well. His groundnut crop on nine bighas had rotted due to unseasonal rain. He had taken a Rs 2 lakh loan and the responsibility of marrying off two daughters. He saw no escape ahead, a relative said. 4. Dwarka: 37-year-old Karsanbhai Vavnotia (Bhanvad taluka) His seeds were bought after taking a gold loan, and the rains wiped out everything. Family members said he had been 'mentally broken' ever since the crop failed, unable to bear the blow of both debt and disappointment. These back-to-back deaths expose a harsh truth: Gujarats farmers are collapsing faster than relief can reach them. Even though the State recently announced a Rs 10,000-crore loan relief package, ground reports reveal a stark gap; many farmers havent received compensation, crop insurance or financial help, forcing them to depend on moneylenders and pushing them into despair.
Munawar Faruqui flaunts luxurious watch worth Rs 2.8 crore
Mumbai: From selling samosas in Junagadh to utensils in Dongri, and from struggling as a stand-up comic to winning Bigg Boss 17, Munawar Faruqui has truly come a long way. Today, he stands tall as one of the biggest entertainers in tinsel town, performing to packed theatres not just across India but in several countries Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
AHMEDABAD: Reeling under one of the worst unseasonal rain spells in two decades, Gujarats farmers have suffered massive crop devastation across 42 lakh hectares and 16,000 villages. On Friday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a Rs 10,000-crore relief package coupled with government procurement of groundnut, moong, urad, and soybean worth Rs 15,000 crore from November 9, promising that no farmer will be left without help. Gujarats farmlands, already scarred by erratic monsoon patterns, have now been battered by unseasonal rains that struck at the end of October, which the Chief Minister described as the kind Gujarat has not seen in two decades. The deluge drenched 41 lakh hectares of cultivated land, crippling the livelihoods of over 17 lakh farmers across 16,387 villages. As assessment reports poured in, the figures told a grim story -- over 33% crop loss in nearly 31 lakh hectares, translating to an estimated Rs 1,574 crore blow to the agrarian economy. The Saurashtra belt emerged as ground zero, where 80% of the total state damage occurred. Out of 37.71 lakh hectares sown, 33.53 lakh hectares were hit, devastating 12.65 lakh farmers and causing Rs 1,218 crore in losses. The Mid-East zone followed with 52.5% of crops damaged, while South Gujarat reported 79% cultivation loss, and North Gujarat too saw heavy impact across 4.14 lakh hectares. Seeing the scale of disaster firsthand, the Chief Minister swiftly convened an emergency high-level meeting with officials from the agriculture, revenue, and finance departments. Chairing the meet himself, Patel greenlit a massive Rs 10,000-crore relief and assistance package, calling it a duty towards the sons of the soil who feed us all. Unseasonal rains of a kind unseen in the last two decades have caused huge crop losses in multiple districts, the Chief Minister said in his statement on Friday. I and my fellow ministers visited the affected districts, spoke directly to the farmers, and felt their pain. Understanding their struggle, the state government stands shoulder to shoulder with them with full sympathy. Keeping in mind their hardship, I am announcing a relief package of about Rs 10,000 crore. Alongside, we will begin procurement of groundnut, moong, urad, and soybean worth over Rs 15,000 crore at support prices from November 9, Patel added, assuring that the government was, is, and will always be with our farmers. Following Patels directive, hundreds of agricultural survey teams fanned out across the districts, covering 70% of the damaged area so far. The CM personally ordered that no farmer should be left without assistance and that all relief formalities be expedited this week. This package comes as Gujarats second major farm relief intervention in just three months, following a Rs 947-crore payout in August-September for flood-affected talukas in Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, and Junagadh. That earlier crisis had already signaled the states growing vulnerability to climate-linked agrarian distress and this latest spell has only deepened the challenge. From drought to deluge, Gujarats farmers have borne the full brunt of climate volatility this year. But with the state government now rolling out an unprecedented twin package of Rs 10,000 crore in direct relief and Rs 15,000 crore in crop procurement, the CM has sent a clear message: In every calamity, the farmer will not stand alone.
Familys worst fears come true: Teen kills brother and pregnant sister-in-law in Gujarat village
A shocking double murder has emerged from Junagadh district. A 15-year-old boy allegedly killed his elder brother and pregnant sister-in-law. The bodies were found buried behind their house nearly two weeks later. The boy's mother reportedly helped conceal the crime. The discovery was made after the woman's family raised suspicions. The minor showed no remorse during interrogation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday emphasized Sardar Patels monumental role in uniting India and shaping the nation after independence. He highlighted Patels leadership during the integration of 562 princely states, the Hyderabad and Junagadh operations, and securing Lakshadweep on 15 August 1947. Shah, in a press briefing in Patna, Bihar, noted that the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, honors Patels legacy. Constructed in 57 months using 25,000 tonnes of iron from farmers tools, 1,700 tonnes of bronze, and 90,000 cubic meters of concrete, the 182-meter statue attracts over 15,000 daily visitors. Additional tourist attractions around the site further enhance its appeal. To commemorate Patels 150th birth anniversary, a grand parade will be held annually on October 31 at Ekta Nagar, akin to the Republic Day parade. This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the salute of the grand parade. The parade will include Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), state police forces, gallantry awardees, cultural performances, camel contingents, motorcycle stunts, tableaux, and an air show by the Indian Air Forces Surya Kiran team. A nationwide Run for Unity and Unity Pledge will also be organized across schools, universities, district police stations, and all states and Union Territories. From November 115, Bharat Parv will celebrate Indias tribal culture, concluding with a showcase of folk arts, crafts, and music on November 15. Shah emphasized that the parade and associated events aim to inspire youth, reaffirm national unity, and honor Sardar Patels lifelong dedication to the nation.
After cabinet overhaul, Gujarat BJP now plans major organizational reshuffle
AHMEDABAD: Gujarats political scene is changing again. After appointing a new BJP state president and reshuffling the state cabinet, the ruling party is now preparing for another big organizational change. The BJP plans to bring in new leaders to key posts and redraw its power structure from the state capital Gandhinagar to the district level a clear sign that the party is getting ready for the next big election. According to party sources, the next major step will be appointing new State General Secretaries one of the most powerful roles in the partys state unit. These appointments are expected within a week. Currently, the Gujarat BJP has four General Secretaries. Among them, Kutch MP Vinod Chavda is likely to keep his position, while the other three posts may go to new faces. The move aims to strengthen the partys organization and prepare for upcoming political challenges. Party insiders say this reshuffle is not just routine. It is part of a larger strategy to tighten control and improve coordination after the recent cabinet changes, in which ten ministers were dropped. The BJP wants to strengthen its structure at the district level to improve governance and maintain political balance. As part of this plan, new in-charge ministers will be appointed for 20 districts. The government now wants each minister to handle only one districtespecially those with important departmentsto improve focus and accountability. Earlier, many ministers managed two districts, which often reduced efficiency. Even Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi may see changes in his responsibilities. He currently oversees both Vadodara and Gandhinagar districts for the BJP, but he may now retain only Gandhinagar, reflecting the leaderships push for more focused roles. The 20 districts expected to get new in-charge ministers include Aravalli, Mahisagar, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Botad, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Dahod, Panchmahal, Dang, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surendranagar, Junagadh, Patan, Narmada, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Valsad. Each new appointment will aim to balance political representation and improve administration, helping the BJP strengthen its control both at the grassroots and state levels. With these changes on the way, the Gujarat BJP is reshaping not just its cabinet but also its political strategy getting ready for the road ahead.
Army jawan drowns after rescuing friends from Ozat river in Gujarat's Junagadh
AHMEDABAD: A Diwali outing turned tragic in Junagadhs Vanthali taluka when Army jawan Bharatbhai Bhetaria lost his life while saving his friends from drowning in the Ozat river near Tikar village. On October 22, four friends went to bathe in the river around 4 PM when three were caught in a sudden, powerful current. Bharatbhai, serving in the Indian Army, immediately jumped into the swirling waters and rescued his friends one by one. In the process, he was swept away by the fierce current. Locals alerted the Vanthali Fire Department, a rescue team conducted an overnight search. Family members and villagers waited at the riverbank during the operation. Bhetarias body was recovered at dawn on October 23, concluding the rescue efforts.
BJP set for strategic cabinet overhaul in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: A cabinet reshuffle in Gujarat appears imminent following a high-stakes meeting in Delhi between Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, BJPs top state and national leadership. With regional and caste equations, upcoming local body elections, and the rising influence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in play, major political realignments are expected within days. Many sitting ministers are likely to be dropped, while younger, strategically chosen MLAs are tipped for elevation. All eyes are now on the BJPs political balancing act in Gujarat. A late-night power huddle on Monday in Delhifeaturing CM Bhupendra Patel, BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma, organizational general secretary Ratnakar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shahhas set the stage for a sweeping cabinet overhaul. The urgency and strategic nature of the meeting signal that the reshuffle is not just likelyit is inevitable. Sources indicate that a final list of ministers is in the works and could be finalized within two to three days. As anticipation builds, the buzz is deafening: whose chair will be pulled, and whose Diwali will shine brighter? The reshuffle is the culmination of months of political calibration. Internal dynamicsfrom caste arithmetic to the looming challenge posed by AAPhave reached a tipping point. With local body elections approaching and AAP leader Gopal Italia gaining traction, especially among Leuva Patidars, BJPs central leadership has decided to reengineer Gujarats political landscape. Reliable sources suggest that many senior ministers are on their way out. Finance Minister Kanu Desai, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, and Social Justice Minister Bhanuben Babaria are reportedly at the top of the exit list. Only five current ministersmost notably Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel and Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajputare expected to retain their portfolios. The reshuffle signals a generational shift within the party. Young MLAs like Jayesh Radadiya (Dhoraji), Uday Kangad (Rajkot), and Rivaba Jadeja (Jamnagar North) are strong contenders for cabinet positions. Saurashtrapolitically volatile and currently a stronghold of AAPs growing influenceis expected to receive special attention. A Leuva Patidar from Amreli or Junagadh may be included to counter the Italia effect. The BJPs caste balancing act extends beyond Saurashtra. With CM Bhupendra Patel representing the Patidar face and Jagdish Vishwakarma as the OBC state president, the party is fine-tuning its social equations. South Gujarat may see the induction of a tribal or female MLA, while in North Gujarat, Alpesh Thakors name is being considered if his community alignment works in BJPs favor. Interestingly, while Congress turncoats like Arjun Modhwadia and C. J. Chavda are still in the mix, only Modhwadia appears to have a strong chancelargely due to a lack of political rivals in Porbandar. Meanwhile, Hardik Patel, once a prominent Patidar youth icon, seems sidelined. Despite his proximity to Amit Shah, sources claim his recent dissent and waning political influence have diminished his chances of a ministerial berth. The reshuffle is not without risks. Elevating defectors over longtime BJP loyalists may spark internal discontent. Striking the right balance between new faces, caste representation, regional expectations, and party loyalty is the BJPs biggest challenge. Former Congress leaders are especially vulnerable, as the party looks to realign around its grassroots cadre. Adding to the political significance is the timely visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to Gujarat on Tuesday, coinciding with the Delhi deliberations. The synchrony between the Sangh and the BJP suggests that the reshuffle is part of a broader strategic resetnot just a routine political exercise. In short, Gujarat is on the cusp of a major political reconfigurationdriven by performance, perception, caste equations, and rapidly shifting political dynamics influenced by AAPs rise. What unfolds in the next 48 hours will shape not just the BJPs strategy for upcoming local polls, but also set the tone for 2027 and beyond.
RTI reply exposes audit lapse of over Rs 2 lakh crore in eight Gujarat Municipal Corporations
AHMEDABAD: A massive accountability crisis has exploded in Gujarat as eight major Municipal Corporations have not been audited for several years, leaving a budget worth over Rs 2 lakh crore unaudited and unverified. The revelations, made through an RTI response, expose systemic neglect, violation of audit laws, and a stunning breakdown of financial transparency. Citizens of these cities have effectively been left in the dark about how public money is being spent. Now, Gujarats urban governance is staring at a financial storm. RTI documents have exposed that not a single audit has been completed for several years for eight major Municipal Corporations: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Surat and Vadodara. The data, obtained from the Director of the Local Fund Accounts Office in response to an RTI filed under Section 4(1) of the Act, reveals how thousands of crores of rupees in civic funds have remained unaudited, violating the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The backlog means that over Rs 2 lakh crore of municipal expenditure across Gujarats largest cities has never undergone mandatory financial scrutiny. With an annual budget of around 12,000 crore in 202425, the Ahmedabad civic body hasnt completed an audit since 201718, which roughly translates to approximately 50,000 crore in unverified accounts for just one city. Similar patterns are seen in Surat and Vadodara, while other corporations have remained unaudited for four to six years. Experts say that this is not a mere technical lapse, but a deep governance failure. Ignored directives, defied laws This financial vacuum exists despite clear legal obligations and repeated directives. Notably, the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963, under Section 4 mandates annual audits of all local bodies. The 11th Central Finance Commission (200005) had recommended that the audit of Municipal Corporations be done under the guidance of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), with reports submitted to the State Assembly. A Finance Department resolution on May 6, 2005, and later a circular on December 23, 2011, made this legally binding. The CAG had also flagged the non-compliance in August 2009, urging Gujarat to ensure timely audits. In 2011, Section 108A was added to the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, to reinforce the obligation. Yet, the RTI reply confirms that none of these directives have been implemented effectively. Last Audited Year, Municipal Corporation and Pending Years. The failure has also meant that no audit reports have been tabled in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for years, as the audits were never done. The Finance Departments 2011 circular was meant to bring in accountability through CAG-supervised audits of Municipal Corporations. These reports were to be presented before the Assembly, debated, and acted upon. Instead, the process has been derailed for over a decade. Neither the CAG nor the Local Fund Audit Office has enforced strict timelines, and successive governments have allowed this crisis to deepen. RTI applicant raised red flag RTI Activist and Professor Hemant Kumar Shah has slammed the government, alleging a deliberate shielding of irregularities. In a democracy, the audit report for the previous financial year should be presented in the new year, debated by corporators, and acted upon as per rules. If the audit itself is not done for years, transparency collapses, and irregularities get buried, Shah claimed. He further alleged, This is a clear violation of the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The State Assembly has failed in its duty to ensure annual presentation of audit reports. Transparency is a fundamental principle of democracy. When 2 lakh crore goes unaudited, the publics right to know how their money is used is crushed. Citizens kept in the dark The lack of audits not just weaken financial scrutiny but also denies Gujarats urban citizens of transparency over how civic budgets are spent on critical services like roads, water, housing, and sanitation.Over two crore people live in these eight municipal areas. However, no red flags were raised, no mismanagement was officially recorded. Political and governance questions mount The revelation has triggered serious concerns: Why has the State not enforced its own audit rules for over a decade? How is financial scrutiny being bypassed despite repeated CAG interventions? Who is responsible for this 2 lakh crore transparency vacuum? Legal experts say this is not just an administrative lapse, but a potential violation of constitutional principles governing local self-government. What next? With RTI evidence out in the open, pressure is likely to mount over the State government to immediately initiate pending audits and present reports in the Assembly. Activists and former bureaucrats argue that independent CAG oversight and public disclosure of audit findings are the only way to restore credibility. However, with seven years already lost in some corporations, the process of auditing such massive backlogs will be long, complex and politically sensitive. Whether the State acts decisive or let the lapse unchecked will determine the future of transparency and accountability in Gujarats urban administration. Notably, Hemant Kumar Shah said,If audits are not done, irregularities remain invisible. And when irregularities remain invisible, accountability dies.
Lion Goes Missing From Tamil Nadu's Vandalur Zoo, Search Op Underway
The lion was brought to Vandalur Park from the Chakkarbagh Zoological Park in Junagadh, Gujarat, under the National Animal Exchange Program.
From teacher to trickster: Gujarat police nab car scam kingpin in Mumbai
AHMEDABAD: A fraudster who rocked Gujarats online car market with a Rs 73 lakh fraud has finally landed in police net. Junagadh police nabbed the fraudster from Dahisar, Mumbai, after a high-tech chase across states. For three years, he duped car buyers and sellers on apps like OLX and CAR-24, trapping victims in 31 cases across 11 districts of Gujarat. The accused, Piyush Maheshbhai Patel (39), a resident of Visnagar, Mehsana, Gujarat was caught from Dahisar, Mumbai, after an intensive three-day surveillance operation. The story broke from Junagadh, where on September 25, 2025, a resident filed a complaint at the A-Division Police Station. The fraudster, posing as Dhaval Patel from CAR-24, trapped a local doctor by offering an inflated price for his Swift and luring him with a Brezza in return. Once the deal was set for just Rs 2.25 lakh through Angadiya payment, the scammer switched off his phone and vanished. The victims complaint led SP Subodh Odedara to order immediate action. PI and his team tracked the fraudsters digital trail, discovering he was operating from Mumbai. Using local intelligence, officers lay in wait inside a Mumbai salon for three days before finally nabbing the accused in Dahisar. Police interrogation peeled back Patels web of deceit. A former schoolteacher and car showroom worker, debt drove him into crime. His modus operandi was chillingly systematic: he would scan car-sale ads on OLX, pose as a CAR-24 agent, and bait owners with high offers. At the same time, he would tempt dealers in nearby cities with quick-sale cars at throwaway prices. Once both sides were convinced, Patel collected payments through Angadiya, then switched off his mobile and re-emerged with a new number and a new name. Patels aliases ranged from Dhawal, Arpit, Hardik, Sanjay, Rajendra Panchal, Jaimin, Hemala carousel of fake identities that helped him cheat buyers and sellers of 42 cars in three years. The confession is staggering: 31 cases registered in 11 districts, including Ahmedabad (6 cases), Gandhinagar, Bharuch, Botad, Banaskantha, Rajkot, and Kutch, with a total fraud of Rs 73.30 lakh. Earlier, he had already duped victims of nearly Rs 1 crore. From Patels possession, police seized a Samsung Galaxy A-35, 13 SIM cards, 3 blank HDFC cheques, and fraud-linked materials. His record reveals he turned Gujarats car market into his hunting ground, repeatedly exploiting digital platforms with surgical precision. The police have now tightened the investigation to identify possible accomplices and recover the looted money.
AHMEDABAD: Tension erupted in Vadodaras old city on Friday night after a controversial AI-generated social media post targeting minority religious sentiments went viral. Crowds clashed, stones were thrown, and more than 50 people were detained as police restored order amid heightened communal anxiety. Vadodara witnessed a sharp spike in communal tension late Friday after the viral post inflamed locals in the old city area. The locality became a flashpoint as residents gathered in large numbers, creating a highly volatile situation and hurling stones. Police rushed to the scene as the mobs anger escalated, attempting to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. The unrest quickly spread to the Vadodara City Police Station, where a mob demanded strict action against the individual responsible for the post. A heavy police presence, including convoys and barricades, was deployed to manage the crowd. About 50 suspects linked to the stone-throwing incident were taken into custody by the Crime Branch from the police station, further intensifying tensions in the area. City police moved swiftly, filing complaints against the accused for spreading communal provocation and registering cases of rioting. Additional security measures were put in place, including two policemen stationed outside the city police station to prevent escalation, while police patrolled the Junagadhi area to maintain calm. Additional Police Commissioner Lina Patil confirmed that separate police and Crime Branch teams intervened promptly, calming the crowd and restoring peace in the affected areas. Addl CP Lina Patil said, There was an incident in the citys old area that hurt religious sentiments. Following this, a crowd gathered outside the police station. Our teams, including separate units from the local police and Crime Branch, immediately intervened to control the situation. The matter has now been contained, and peace has been restored. Police personnel remain deployed in different areas to ensure continued safety, and action is being taken against all those involved in inciting communal tension. DCP Andrew McEwan added that the viral video had triggered the unrest and that police conducted combing operations across the city to prevent further incidents. Legal action has been taken on the viral post and rioting incidents. More than 50 people have been detained so far, DCP McEwan said, underscoring the polices resolve to curb any communal flare-ups.
Rahul Gandhis visit to Gujarat's Junagadh Camp postponed to September 19 due to bad weather
AHMEDABAD: Rahul Gandhis Gujarat push hit turbulence as bad weather in Delhi grounded his flight, forcing the cancellation of his second visit to Junagadhs Congress training camp today. The camp, aimed at reviving the party in Prime Minister Modis home state, has already seen top leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, guiding 41 city and district presidents. Congress plans to finalise a two-year strategy to challenge the BJPs three-decade dominance in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhis mission to revive the Congress in Gujarat, a state where the party has been in political exile for 30 years, faced a setback today as bad weather in Delhi grounded his flight, forcing the cancellation of his visit to Junagadh. Rahul was scheduled to return to the foothills of Bhavnath in Junagadh, where a 10-day intensive training camp is underway for 41 newly appointed city and district Congress presidents. The camp is a cornerstone of Congresss Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, designed to rebuild the party from the ground up ahead of crucial state and national battles. On September 12, Rahul had spent four hours personally mentoring local leaders, signaling the partys renewed seriousness about Gujarat. Today, he was expected to participate again and oversee strategy sessions, but Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief Amit Chavda confirmed the cancellation, saying, Today, Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to join us again to mentor the leaders personally and review their progress. Unfortunately, due to severe weather conditions in Delhi, his flight could not take off, and his visit had to be postponed. We now expect him to arrive tomorrow for the camps concluding day, where every city and district president will present their action plans and Congress vision for the people of Gujarat. The camp is being conducted with inputs from experts across sectors, focusing on inclusive politics and grassroots outreach without caste or class barriers. Tomorrows concluding session will see district leaders present their programs and Congresss vision for Gujarats future. However, the absence of some key figures has drawn attention. Gir Somnath district president Punjabbhai Vansh attended only on the opening day and has been missing for the past eight days. Amreli district Congress chief Pratap Dudhat has also skipped the sessions, a fact noted at the partys top level. Chavda defended both leaders, attributing their absence to personal social reasons. Congresss urgency stems from Gujarats status as the home turf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, making every election here symbolically and strategically vital. The party aims to draft a comprehensive two-year roadmap to challenge the BJP juggernaut. The electoral data underscores the enormity of Congress task. In 2009, the BJP secured 47% of the votes to Congresss 44%, winning 15 of Gujarats 26 Lok Sabha seats. But 2014 was a game-changer: BJPs vote share surged to 59% a 12% jump, while Congress fell to 33%, losing all seats. The 2019 polls deepened this gap, with the BJP rising to 62% and the Congress slipping to 32%, again resulting in a clean sweep for the BJP. The 2024 elections brought little relief, as Congress managed to win just one seat, marking a symbolic breakthrough but highlighting the uphill battle ahead. Rahul Gandhis push through this leadership camp is Congresss most aggressive attempt yet to reclaim relevance in Gujarat, a state that has been the BJPs political fortress for over three decades. Tomorrows session will test whether the party can translate training into a tangible action plan to dent the BJPs dominance.
Gujarat scholarship scam: Rs 4.60 crore embezzled, four arrested
AHMEDABAD: A massive Rs 4.60 crore scholarship scam has been busted in Junagadh, Gujarat, where 12 educational institutions siphoned off funds meant for Scheduled Caste students by using fake documents. Police have arrested four key accused, while a manhunt is on for another administrator as the probe deepens. The scam has rocked Junagadh, exposing a deep-rooted nexus between educational institutions and alleged corruption in welfare schemes. Funds meant to empower Scheduled Caste students were embezzled, leaving thousands of deserving youths cheated of their rights. The case came to light after Kishore Bharkhada, Deputy Director of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Office, lodged a formal complaint, triggering the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Junagadh City Division. Acting swiftly, investigators seized documents related to 2,245 students submitted by 12 institutions, which became the foundation of the probe. Upon scrutiny, investigators discovered that between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016, administrators of these institutions hatched a calculated conspiracy. They fabricated student records and submitted them as genuine to the welfare office. These fake documents were then used to issue scholarship cheques, which were pocketed by the accused, never reaching the students they were intended for. The SIT also sought detailed records from banks linked to these institutions. After cross-checking financial transactions, the involvement of five prime accused surfaced. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Gujarat Police moved in and arrested four of them, Ramesh Kalubhai Baku, Ramanik Nathabhai Rathod, Bhavin Laljibhai Dadhaniya, and Jagdish Bhikhabhai Parmar. A manhunt has been launched to nab Umar Farooq Ibrahim Amrelia, Administrator and Principal of Mangrols Indian Institute, who remains absconding. Investigators revealed that the scam involved a staggering 4,60,38,550, stolen over a three-year period. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the Scheduled Caste community, where students are now grappling with anger and distrust towards institutions meant to support them. Junagadh C Division Police have filed cases against the principals, trustees, and other office-bearers of the implicated institutions. Authorities have warned that more arrests could follow as the investigation widens. This scandal has sparked outrage, raising serious questions about the accountability of educational institutions and the safeguards within Gujarats scholarship system. The betrayal of vulnerable students has now become a flashpoint for public anger, with calls for stricter oversight and swift justice.
Ahmedabad Diary | Rahuls homework to pep up cadre
Gujarat, a BJP stronghold, is witnessing a fierce political push as Congress gears up for the 2027 Assembly polls. During a Junagadh training camp, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi urged district and city presidents to set aside their differences, focus on the Congress ideology, and mobilise workers. He assigned homework to leaders, promising to review their answers during his visit on September 18. A sealed report card evaluating their performance will also be handed out, with warnings for underperformers. he plans to spend time in each constituency, staying with local leaders, as Congress intensifies groundwork to challenge the BJPs three-decade dominance in Gujarat. Dairy elections trigger BJP infighting Political temperatures have soared in Gujarats Bharuch district as the Dudhdhara Dairy elections, scheduled for September 19, have turned into a fierce BJP vs. BJP battle. Vagra MLA Arunsinh rana has openly rebelled, fielding his Vikas Panel against the partys official candidates and declaring he will win without the lotus symbol. The BJP suspended nine rebel candidates from ranas panel and three from Narmada, shocking the cooperative sector. Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava slammed leaders, warning of a future blow in local polls, but State General Secretary rajni Patel defended the suspensions. Perform or perish, Congress chiefs told At a special training camp in Junagadh, the Gujarat Congress sent a stern message to its newly appointed city and district presidents. Citing Mallikarjun Kharges warning that non-performers will lose their posts, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal issued a 90-day ultimatum to improve. Addressing 41 presidents, Venugopal compared nine poorly performing leaders to rotten mangoes spoiling the basket, signaling sweeping action ahead. Amreli district chief Pratap Dudhats repeated absence drew sharp criticism. Dilip Singh KShatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
'Vote chori' main issue before country today, PM's Manipur visit now no 'big deal': Rahul Gandhi
JUNAGADH: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Manipur has been in trouble for a long time and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the strife-torn state now is not a ig deal as he insisted vote chori (vote theft) remains the main issue before the country currently. Talking to reporters outside the Keshod airport in Junagadh district of Gujarat, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed everywhere people are raising vote chor (vote thief) slogan. After landing at the airport in the afternoon, Gandhi reached Junagadh city where is scheduled to address district and city unit presidents of the Congress in Gujarat and interact with senior leaders. When reporters sought Gandhi's comments on PM Modi's scheduled visit to Manipur on Saturday, the Congress MP sought to downplay his tour to the trouble-torn north-eastern state. Manipur has been in trouble for a long time and the PM has decided to go there now. So that's not a big deal. The main issue today in India is 'vote chori' (vote theft), asserted Gandhi. PM Modi to visit Manipur on Saturday, his first visit since ethnic violence broke out in 2023 Modi will visit Manipur on September 13 and interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and state capital Imphal. This will be the PM's first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in the state two years ago. They stole the elections of Haryana and Maharashtra. We proved that in Karnataka recently. So, the main issue is vote theft. Everywhere people are raising 'vote chor' (vote thief) slogan, said the Lok Sabha MP from Raebareli. A training camp for local party leaders is being organised in Junagadh from September 10 to 19 as part of the Congress' 'Sangathan Srujan Abhiyan' (campaign to strengthen the organisation) in the BJP-ruled state. The camp was inaugurated on Wednesday by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul Gandhi will address district and city unit presidents and interact with senior leaders of the party. He will be at the event for nearly three hours before leaving for Delhi, Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said.
Vote Chori Main Issue Before Country Today, PMs Manipur Visit Now No Big Deal: Rahul
Junagadh, Sep 12: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Manipur has been in trouble for a long time and Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the strife-torn state now is not a big deal as he insisted vote chori (vote theft) remains the main issue before the country currently. Talking to reporters outside the Keshod airport in Junagadh district of Gujarat, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed everywhere people are raising vote chor (vote thief) slogan. [] The post Vote Chori Main Issue Before Country Today, PMs Manipur Visit Now No Big Deal: Rahul appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
'Two Gujaratis gave us freedom, now another two are dividing us': Mallikarjun Kharge
AHMEDABAD: In an address in Junagadh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the BJP, vowing to safeguard the Constitution and energise party workers for a 2027 Gujarat Assembly battle. With Rahul Gandhi set to join later, Kharge invoked Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, and Nehru to rally Congress cadres, accusing the BJP of weakening democracy and stealing votes. He declared, Two Gujaratis gave us freedom, now two Gujaratis are working against it by dividing people. The three-day Congress training camp aims to rebuild the partys grassroots network in Gujarat and reignite a movement for change. The Congresss roadmap to reclaim Gujarat was visible in Junagadh, as party president Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated a massive training camp, declaring it the launchpad for a decisive fight against the BJP in the 2027 Assembly elections. With Rahul Gandhi scheduled to attend on September 12 and 17, the camp at Prernadham will run till September 19, training newly appointed district and city Congress presidents. Kharges speech was a blend of history, ideology, and firebrand politics. Without directly naming Prime Minister Modi or BJP leaders, he tore into their agenda, warning, Two Gujaratis gave us freedom, united this nation. Now, two others are destroying that legacy by dividing people and weakening our Constitution. Constitution and Legacy in Focus Kharge reminded the audience that this year marks 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi became Congress President, underlining Gujarats historic role as the birthplace of Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, and Dadabhai Naoroji. He said, Gandhiji told us Congresss job is to uplift those at the bottom and bring equality. Sardar Patel believed strength without organisation is useless, and Nehruji taught us to adapt to change and stay connected with people. Tracing Congresss journey, Kharge divided its 140-year history into three phases the freedom struggle till 1947, the nation-building years after independence, and the past 11 years of serving as a strong opposition. From giving India the Constitution and voting rights to enacting historic laws like MNREGA, Right to Information, and Food Security Act, Congress empowered the people, he said, contrasting it with the BJPs record. Modiji has not brought a single law of such magnitude, Kharge added. Attack on BJP and Vote Theft Claims Taking direct aim at Gujarats BJP government, Kharge accused it of running on remote control from Delhi, saying real power lies outside the state. He alleged widespread vote rigging, claiming that in the Navsari Lok Sabha constituency, 30,000 fake or duplicate voters were found during verification. Referring to the controversial Surat Lok Sabha seat, he warned, This is how BJP comes to power by stealing votes. But this time, Congress will expose and defeat them. Kharge also mocked the Prime Ministers China stance, stating, When Chinese soldiers attacked, PM said no one entered. When Rahulji raised questions, they called him a Chinese agent. Today, he himself is visiting China. Rahul Gandhis Movements Turn Into Mass Campaigns Rahul Gandhis political yatras were presented as a blueprint for mobilising the nation. From the 3,200 km Bharat Jodo Yatra to the 6,700 km Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, and most recently the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, Kharge said Rahul turned issues of unemployment, inflation, and farmer distress into peoples movements. Rahulji has shown what determination can achieve, he said, urging workers to channel this spirit in Gujarat. Vision for 2027: Strength Through Training The 10-day training camp, Kharge emphasised, is not just about lectures but about forging identity and strategy. You will leave here stronger, informed, and ready to fight for change. If our district units are strong, no one can stop the storm of change in Gujarat, he declared. Kharge recalled the 2017 elections, where Congress prevented the BJP from winning a single seat in seven districts, cutting its tally below 100 for the first time. This proves the people of Gujarat are ready for change. We just need to unite and channel their anger, he urged. Sardar Patels 150th Anniversary to be Congress Showcase Kharge announced nationwide celebrations for Sardar Patels 150th birth anniversary starting October 31, with a special push in Gujarat. We will respect Sardar, but we will never allow BJP to distort his ideas, he said, positioning Congress as the true custodian of Patels legacy. As the camp opened with patriotic fervour, Kharges message was clear: revive the organisation, reclaim Gujarat, and protect Indias democracy. He ended with Gandhijis words: A handful of committed souls with unbounded faith can change history.
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government admitted in the Assembly on Wednesday that 307 Asiatic lions, have died in just two years, despite spending Rs 37.35 crore to prevent unnatural deaths. The disclosure raises serious questions about conservation strategies, as the lion population now stands at 891, spread across seven districts. The deaths, driven by disease, internal fights, and accidents, reveal a grim battle for survival inside the Gir ecosystem and surrounding areas. Gujarat is the only home to Asiatic lions in the world, but behind the celebratory headlines of a rising lion population, a silent tragedy is unfolding. The 16th Asiatic Lion Census, conducted on May 13, 2025, counted 891 lions spread across seven districts, with the highest concentration in Amreli (339), followed by Gir-Somnath (222), Junagadh (191), Bhavnagar (116), Porbandar (16), Rajkot (6), and Devbhoomi Dwarka (1). These numbers, while impressive on paper, mask a disturbing reality: 307 lions have died in the last two years, revealing cracks in Gujarats much-touted conservation model. According to Government Data, between August 2023 and July 2024, the state lost 141 lions, a toll already alarming for a critically endangered species. Yet, instead of improving, the situation worsened. From August 2024 to July 2025, the death count spiked to 166, pushing the two-year total to a staggering 307 lions lost, a figure that threatens to undo decades of conservation efforts. While most deaths were classified as natural, many were preventable, exposing failures in disease control, veterinary care, and basic habitat safety. The year 2023-24 set the stage for this unfolding crisis, with disease emerging as the single largest killer, claiming 60 lives. Shrinking habitats forced lions into closer contact, leading to 38 deaths from violent territorial fights, while another 24 perished from old age. Human-linked threats also played a deadly role; seven lions fell into open wells, five were struck by trains, three drowned, and one each died in a road accident and by electrocution. By the end of that year, the total death toll stood at 141, painting a bleak picture of a fragile ecosystem under pressure. But the following year, 2024-25, the situation turned even grimmer. Illness-related deaths surged to 81, a 35% jump, highlighting growing gaps in disease monitoring and treatment. Internal fights remained a serious problem, killing 36 lions, while 27 succumbed to old age. Open wells turned deadlier, with 13 lions plunging to their deaths, while six drowned, two died from electric shocks, and one was hit by a vehicle. The result was 166 deaths in a single year, the highest in recent memory and a wake-up call for the states conservation machinery. The crisis is most visible in Amreli district, which, despite housing the largest lion population, has also become a graveyard for the species. Between January and July 2025 alone, 31 lions including 14 cubs and 17 lions, died, most of them from illnesses that could have been treated with timely intervention. Multiple organ failure claimed five cubs and six lions, while pneumonia, anaemia, and anoxia took five more lives. Pneumonia and septicemia together killed four lions, while respiratory, liver, and kidney failures accounted for six additional deaths, including two cubs. A fatal spinal cord injury ended the life of one cub, and a parasitic disease, anaplasmosis, claimed another four lives. These patterns reveal systemic weaknesses in veterinary care and health monitoring, with infections and preventable diseases spreading unchecked. Even as deaths mounted, the Gujarat government insists it has been pouring resources into conservation. Over the past two years, it spent Rs 20.35 crore in 2023-24 and another Rs 17 crore in 2024-25, totalling Rs 37.35 crore. However, the rising death toll tells a different story. Despite massive financial outlays, lions continue to die from basic, preventable causes such as open well accidents, poor disease management, and lack of emergency infrastructure, raising serious questions about accountability and effectiveness. This crisis matters not just for Gujarat but for the entire world. Asiatic lions are critically endangered, and Gujarat is their only natural habitat on Earth. While the census figures may create an illusion of stability, the sharp rise in deaths suggests a dangerous tipping point. If disease control, veterinary systems, and habitat safety measures are not urgently overhauled, Gujarats celebrated success story could collapse into a silent tragedy.
School Students Assaulted In Gujarat Hostel, Videos Go Viral
Two students of a private school were allegedly brutally assaulted by their hostel mates in separate incidents in Gujarat's Junagadh city last month, sparking concerns of safety and well-being of students across educational institutes.
Ahmedabad Diary | Buzz over CM Patel meeting PM in Delhi
In a surprise political move, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed to Delhi on Thursday, holding a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, held just hours before the Vibrant Gujarat Roadshow in the capital, has triggered intense buzz about the imminent announcement of a new BJP state president. Patel, who will interact with top industrialists, diplomats, and global delegates at the roadshow, praised Modis leadership for making Gujarat a Most Preferred Investment Destination. Political circles are abuzz that this sudden visit signals key policy shifts and a decisive political reshuffle in the state BJP. BJP faction war over joblessness campaign BJPs factional feud in Junagadh burst into the open after former cabinet minister Jawahar Chavda launched an unemployment assistance campaign from his Manavadar bastion. The initiative, aimed at addressing youth joblessness, drew sharp attacks from within his party. BJP MLA Arvind Ladani slammed the drive as a political drama, while Savj Dairy Chairman Dinesh Khataria accused Chavda of betrayal, recalling his switch from the Congress to the BJP. Unfazed, Chavda hit back: My campaign has poured oil in some stomachsanswers will come in time. The escalating war underscores deep rifts in the party. Major reshuffle awaits Gujarat police set-up Gujarat Police is set for a major structural shake-up with plans to increase the number of range IGPs from nine to ten. Sources reveal that Gandhinagar may soon be granted a Police Commissionerate, replacing the SP system, which would prompt Patan and Banaskantha to be transferred out of the Border Range. According to sources, a new Mehsana Range could be formed, while Morbi may merge with East and West Kutch SP areas to create a Kutch-Morbi Range. Simultaneously, Ahmedabad is likely to get a Zone 8 DCP office, driven by the citys growing population and area, signaling sweeping changes in law enforcement operations. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Dalit man beaten with belt, threatened with life in Gujarat
A young Dalit man was severely beaten, robbed, and threatened with death in Gujarats Junagadh district. This is the third reported case of caste-based violence in the area in a month. The assault took place on August 16 at the Swami Vivekanand School. The victim was affronted by a person who claimed his brother was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Dalit youth brutally assaulted in Gujarat's Junagadh, third such case in 21 days
AHMEDABAD: A Dalit youth was brutally thrashed, robbed, and threatened with death in Gujarats Junagadh marking the third caste atrocity in just 21 days. The chilling attack, captured in a viral video, has once again exposed how caste violence remains deeply entrenched in society despite decades of independence. Even after 78 years of independence, caste violence refuses to die down. The incident unfolded on the afternoon of August 16, when the victim had gone to meet a friend. A boy ran up to him, pleading for help as his brother was being taken away. The Dalit youth and his friend followed him to the Swami Vivekanand School ground, only to find out that he had walked into a trap. There, three Upper Caste youths confronted him, asking about his background. When he replied that he was from Kadiawad, the attackers led by one Hitesh and two unidentified accomplices began to abuse him with casteist slurs, and thrashed him with belts and sticks until injury marks covered his body. The assailants then snatched the victims mobile phone and threatened to kill him if he dared complain to the police. They beat me up with a belt and a stick, robbed my phone, and threatened my life. Today its me, tomorrow it could be someone else. I only demand justice, the victim said from Junagadh Civil Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Police have since registered a case under multiple sections of the IPC at Junagadh A Division Police Station. Separate teams have been formed to nab the accused. DySP Hitesh Dhandhaliya assured that strict legal action will be taken at the earliest. The Junagadh assault is not an isolated act of cruelty. It is the third atrocity against Dalits in Gujarat within the last 21 days, a chilling reminder that caste prejudice continues to fuel violence even today. Each incident is another crack in the promise of equality, and another urgent call for justice. Dalit youth, father-in-law brutally beaten in Gujarat for upper-caste moustache; 5 accused on the run
