An incident of alleged caste-based violence has been reported from Mehsana in north Gujarat, an area known as an educational hub. A Dalit student living in the hostel of a BBA BCA college was allegedly assaulted by four men following a minor argument.
The victim, who is originally from Porbandar and currently studying in Mehsana, said the incident began with a small verbal altercation on February 3 inside the hostel. He alleged that a fellow hostel resident, Mitesh Purohit, abused him during a casual exchange. When the student objected to the abuse, Mitesh allegedly threatened him with consequences the next day.
According to the complaint, on the morning of February 4, when the student was leaving for college, Mitesh Purohit and three of his friends stopped him near a Hanuman temple close to the hostel. The accused allegedly pressured the student to fall at their feet and apologise. When he refused, they allegedly used caste-based slurs and assaulted him with wooden sticks and belts.
“Their words were more painful than the beating. They abused me using my caste name and tried to humiliate me by forcing me to beg for forgiveness,” the victim told the police.
The student suffered serious injuries in the attack. He first took primary treatment at a university hospital but was later shifted to Mehsana Civil Hospital by ambulance after his condition worsened.
The victim later approached the Mehsana A Division police station along with his mother and filed a formal complaint. Police have registered a case under the Atrocities Act along with sections related to assault and criminal intimidation. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused, who are currently absconding.
A police official said, “A case has been registered under the SC ST Atrocities Act and other relevant sections. We are conducting raids to locate the accused.”
The college administration has also taken action following the incident. Vice Principal V K Patel said the main accused student has been suspended from the hostel with immediate effect. “Considering the seriousness of the matter, the college committee has taken strict action. Further disciplinary steps will be decided after internal review,” he said.
