A tribal driver in Gujarat has alleged that he was brutally assaulted by the son of Karjan MLA Akshay Patel and four others after being accused of stealing diesel. The victim, Natvar Vasava, a resident of Navinagari in Indore village of Jhagadia taluka, filed a complaint with the Karjan police, leading to the registration of an FIR under the Atrocities Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Details of the Incident
According to the FIR, the incident occurred on May 15. Vasava, who had been working as a driver on a dumper owned by Rishi Patel for the past year, and another driver returned from Jambusar after unloading sand. They were allegedly called to an office in Bakapur village of Karjan taluka. There, Rishi Patel showed Vasava a photograph of a vehicle and accused him of stealing diesel. When Vasava denied the accusation, Patel allegedly assaulted him with a metal pipe. Four others then joined in, beating Vasava with plastic pipes.
Brutal Assault and Casteist Abuses
The FIR states that the accused formed an unlawful assembly and attacked the victim with weapons. They tied Vasava's legs with a rope, hung him upside down, and continued assaulting him while hurling casteist abuses. Vasava said he was insulted with derogatory references to his tribal identity before being left injured. He alleged that he lost consciousness during the assault.
Rescue and Medical Treatment
Office workers later rescued Vasava and helped him return home. He was then taken in a 108 ambulance to the government hospital in Umalla and subsequently to Rajpipla Civil Hospital for further treatment.
Accused Named
Police have named five accused in the case: Rishi Akshay Patel, Jaydatbapu alias Deveshbapu, Sahil Patel alias Sahil Pathan, Javed Pathan, and Vijay. Officials said teams have been formed to trace the accused, who are currently at large.
Police Investigation
Sushil Agrawal, Superintendent of Police, Vadodara rural, said there were two victims in the case and their versions differed. “We first conducted a preliminary inquiry and then registered an FIR,” Agrawal said. The investigation is ongoing.
