Sadiq Khan Attacks, Try to Abduct Hindu Activist [Patan, Gujarat]

(Reported as seen)

In Gujarat’s Patan district, a disturbing incident unfolded on 27th July in Sindhada village. Sadiq Khan, a local strongman, attacked and attempted to abduct Ramilaben Parmar, a female Durga Vahini volunteer. When Ramilaben resisted, Khan and his accomplice hurled casteist abuses at her. The incident has sparked outrage and brought to light the dire conditions faced by Hindu activists in the region.

Bhagwati Parmar, Ramilaben’s elder sister and a member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Durga Vahini, spoke to OpIndia about the harassment faced by Hindu activists in the village. According to her, the village has a Muslim majority, and the sarpanch also belongs to the Muslim community. During Hindu festivals and temple rituals, Hindus often face harassment. Activists like Bhagwati and Ramilaben have been threatened to leave their organizations, creating an environment of fear where Hindus are afraid to speak out.

The attack on Ramilaben occurred when she was returning home with her sworn brother, Gaman Bharwad. Sadiq Khan and an unidentified accomplice stopped their bike, and without provocation, Khan grabbed Ramilaben’s hair and started slapping her. Gaman Bharwad was also assaulted when he tried to intervene. Khan ordered his accomplice to drag Ramilaben into their car, threatening to kill her if she continued her work with Durga Vahini. Both attackers fled the scene after the confrontation.

Following the incident, Ramilaben alerted her family and filed a complaint at the Santalpur police station. The police registered a case under Sections 115(2), 125(2), 296(B), 351(2), and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the SC/ST Act and Gujarat Police Act. Sadiq Khan was arrested, but the other accused remain unidentified. The investigation has been handed over to the Patan SC/ST Cell, with assurances from the police that all culprits will be apprehended.

The victim’s family revealed to OpIndia that they had been receiving threats for their involvement with Hindu advocacy groups. Bhagwati Parmar described the conditions for Hindu women in the village as terrible, with continuous persecution and threats from the Muslim community. Despite multiple complaints to the village sarpanch, who sides with the Muslim community, no action has been taken to protect the Hindu residents.

The attack on Ramilaben has incited anger among Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Durga Vahini. A series of meetings and public programs, including Hanuman Chalisa recitations, are being organized to demand justice for Ramilaben and to address the broader issue of harassment faced by Hindus in the region. Sages and saints are also expected to visit the victim’s family to show support and solidarity.