Four Arrested for Attacking Hindu Family Over Vrat Mandap Dispute [Rajkot, Gujarat]

(Reported as seen)

In a disturbing incident from Rajkot, Gujarat, a Hindu family was brutally attacked by four Muslim youths over a dispute related to the construction of a Dasha Ma Vrat mandap. The attack occurred on August 4th and resulted in serious injuries to two members of the family.

The conflict began when members of the Hindu family, including Mihir and Ashish Vaghela, were working on setting up a Vrat mandap for the Dasha Ma festival. The family had an altercation with the accused—Sikandar, Afzal, Sameer, and Dared—over the mandap construction. Following the argument, the attackers came to the Vaghela family’s home armed with sharp weapons.

During the attack, Ashish Vaghela, aged 19, was stabbed in the stomach and is currently in critical condition. The attackers also assaulted other family members. Mihir Vaghela reported that the attackers were shouting threats, specifically targeting them because of their Hindu identity. The attackers reportedly said, “They are Hindu boys. They are Hindus. Attack them to the point of death.”

The police initially registered a case at Bhagwatipara Police Station but faced criticism from the family and local Hindu organizations for not taking stringent action. The case was later transferred to Rajkot B Division Police Station, where the accused were arrested.

Ashish Seth of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad stated that Hindu groups are providing support to the affected family and have urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation. The VHP and other organizations are involved in ensuring that the family receives the necessary assistance and that the attackers are held accountable.

The accused—Sikandar, Afzal, Dared, and Sameer—have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Gujarat Police Act. The police are continuing their investigation, and the condition of the injured Ashish Vaghela remains critical.

This incident has sparked outrage among the local Hindu community and highlighted tensions related to communal violence in the region. The police and community leaders are working to address the situation and ensure justice for the victims.