Outrage grows against caste-based violence under the BJP rule; Dalit leaders demand land compensation to the bereaved family
GANDHINAGAR – In a disturbing case that has shaken Gujarat, a 70-year-old Dalit man, Harjibhai Devabhai Solanki, was found burnt alive in Jakhota village of Santalpur taluka, Patan district. What made the tragedy even more painful for his family and the Dalit community was that his charred body was discovered dressed in women’s clothing, including anklets. The incident has raised serious questions about the rising brutality faced by Dalits under the current political rule.
Dalit leader and Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani confirmed the murder after speaking to the Patan District Superintendent of Police. Speaking on the matter, Mevani said, “Despite all the loud claims of Gujarat’s development, the state is becoming hell for Dalits.”
He also urged social activists and common citizens to support the family of Harjibhai and demand justice. Mevani further demanded that the government provide suitable compensation and at least two acres of agricultural land to the family of the deceased.
The incident occurred in Jakhota village, near Pepla, where locals first spotted the burnt body. The police said that the victim was wearing clothes generally worn by women and anklets were found on the feet. It has left the community in shock and mourning.
A senior officer in the Patan Police Department, who wished to remain unnamed, said, “We are investigating the motive behind the murder. So far, no arrest has been made, but several villagers are being questioned.”
Tensions have increased in Jakhota and Pepla villages as members of the Dalit community gathered to express their anger and grief. Dalit rights groups, human rights activists and social organisations have condemned the incident and demanded justice.
“This is not just a murder—it is a hate crime aimed at humiliating and silencing our community,” said Ramesh Parmar, a local Dalit activist. “Such cruelty reminds us that caste-based discrimination is not just alive, it’s growing bolder under the protection of the current regime.”
Security in the area has been increased to prevent further unrest. Police presence has also been increased at sensitive locations in surrounding villages.
MLA Mevani directly criticised the BJP government for what he called a “complete failure to protect Dalits.” He said, “The BJP government is silent on Dalit killings, rapes and humiliations. When will they wake up? When the entire community is wiped out?”
He also accused state leaders of ignoring caste atrocities and focusing only on headlines about development. “We will not stay quiet. The community must rise and demand its rights. We must protest peacefully but firmly,” Mevani said during a public meeting near Dharpur Hospital.
So far, there has been no statement from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel or any top BJP leader about the incident.
Social activists are also pointing out that this is not the first such incident. They argue that Dalits in Gujarat have been regularly subjected to violence, social boycott and humiliation.
“The brutality of dressing him in women’s clothes before burning him is not just violence—it is psychological warfare against a whole community,” said Prof Javed Alam, a sociologist working on caste violence. “This is a warning message sent through Harjibhai’s body.”
Harjibhai Solanki was a retired farm labourer, known for his simple life and honesty. His son, Dilip Solanki, said, “My father never hurt anyone. He never even raised his voice. I don’t know why anyone would do this to him.” With tears in his eyes, he added, “We want justice. Not revenge, just justice.”
Neighbours described Harjibhai as kind and hardworking. One elderly resident of Jakhota said, “He always helped others. He didn’t deserve such a death. We are all scared now.”
Several Dalit rights organisations have urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take notice of the case and send a team to Gujarat. A joint memorandum by six groups has also been sent to the President of India, urging a judicial inquiry.
“If we don’t speak now, more Harjibhais will be burnt, more daughters raped, more families ruined,” said Kavita Luhar of the Gujarat Dalit Mahila Sangathan.
