VHP Member Attacked in ‘Sir Tan Se Juda’ Attempt [Bhuj, Gujarat]

In a shocking incident in Bhuj, Gujarat, a member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was brutally assaulted on July 22nd by two Muslim youths, Nizam Mughal and Irfan Baloch, in what is being described as a ‘Sir Tan Se Juda’ (beheading) attempt. The attack left the VHP activist, Bhavesh Parmar, gravely injured.

Bhavesh Parmar, a resident of Mundra Road in Bhuj city of Kutch district and the proprietor of Bajrang Tea House, was attacked when he attempted to resolve a dispute involving his friend. The incident was linked to a police action on July 19th when Madhapur police confiscated several rickshaws operating illegally. A local journalist, Raju Prajapati, documented the police action, which led to Nizam and Irfan calling for a meeting with him.

Bhavesh accompanied Raju to the meeting at Jubilee Circle. During the encounter, Nizam attacked Raju, and when Bhavesh intervened, Nizam stabbed him in the throat and shoulder with a knife. The attackers fled the scene after issuing death threats to Bhavesh. Both Bhavesh and Raju were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

Bhavesh Parmar is an active member of the VHP and is involved in Gau Raksha (cow protection) activities. He believes that his pro-Hindu and cow protection-related activism might have motivated the attack. Bhavesh emphasized the need for stringent action against those targeting Hindu activists and demanded that the authorities demolish the homes of the accused.

The Bhuj-B Division Police have registered a case and arrested Nizam Mughal and Irfan Baloch. The charges against them include sections 109, 115(2), 296(B), 351(2), 61(2)(B), and 135(1) of the Indian Penal Code. Despite the severity of the crime, the police did not seek remand of the accused, leading to their placement in judicial custody.

There are concerns about the police’s handling of the case, especially given the seriousness of the charges. It has been revealed that Nizam and Irfan have prior criminal records, prompting calls for invoking the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act, 1985 (PASA) against them. Further information from the police is awaited.

The attack on Bhavesh Parmar has sparked outrage among the local Hindu community. There is a strong demand for justice and stricter measures to protect activists involved in religious and social causes. The incident underscores the need for enhanced security and legal provisions to safeguard individuals dedicated to preserving religious and cultural values.

This incident highlights the persistent threats faced by activists in India and the need for comprehensive legal and social measures to ensure their safety and the protection of their rights.