A 21-year-old Dalit man, Nilesh Dalsaniya, was allegedly assaulted by a businesswoman and at least six others in Morbi city over a salary dispute. The victim had worked for the businesswoman’s company for a fortnight before being abruptly terminated.
The accused, including the businesswoman identified as Vibhuti Patel, her brother Om Patel, and manager Parikshit, are now facing legal consequences as the Morbi city’s ‘A’ division police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Thursday.
According to the FIR, he was hired by Vibhuti Patel’s company, Raniba Industries Pvt Ltd, in early October on a monthly salary of Rs 12,000. However, on October 18, he was suddenly dismissed. When Dalsaniya requested his salary for the 16 days he had worked, Patel did not provide a clear response and ceased communication.
The situation escalated on Wednesday evening when Dalsaniya, accompanied by his brother Mehul and neighbour Bhavesh, visited Patel’s office seeking a resolution. Om Patel, Vibhuti Patel’s brother, and his accomplices allegedly assaulted the trio.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (SC/ST Cell), Pratipalsinh Zala, stated, “The accused, including Parikshit Patel, Om Patel, and six to seven unidentified men, beat him with belts and also kicked and punched him.” The FIR further outlined that Vibhuti Patel forced Dalsaniya to hold her footwear in his mouth and apologize for demanding his salary. The victim was also threatened with harm if he returned to the area.
A video recording, allegedly shot by the assailants, shows Dalsaniya being coerced into apologizing for demanding his salary.
Following the assault, Dalsaniya was taken to Morbi Civil Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Zala confirmed that all the accused have been booked on charges of assault, criminal intimidation, rioting, and under relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. However, no arrests have been made as the investigation is ongoing.
