Himatnagar (Gujarat): A Dalit labourer from Khedawada Lakshmipura village in Gujarat’s Himatnagar was allegedly beaten and abused with casteist slurs after he expressed his wish to visit a temple. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Shailesh Solanki, a daily-wage worker, has lodged a complaint with the Himatnagar rural police.

According to the FIR, the incident took place on the evening of September 26 near a crossroads in Balochpur. Solanki was waiting for transport when Bharat Patel, a resident of Dhanpura, stopped him and questioned his presence in the area. When Solanki explained that he was on his way to the Kal Bhairav temple, Patel demanded proof of his identity.

Solanki said he showed his Aadhaar card, after which Patel noticed his surname and asked if he belonged to a Schedule

See Full Page