A horrific incident in Gujarat’s Patan district has sparked widespread outrage and fear after the charred body of a 70-year-old Dalit man was discovered in Jakhota village, dressed in women’s clothing. The victim, identified as Harjibhai Devabhai Solanki, was a retired farm labourer known for his quiet demeanor and honesty.
The gruesome nature of the killing—burned alive and found adorned with anklets and female attire—has led to allegations of caste-based humiliation and hate crime. The incident has shaken the Dalit community across the region and prompted strong condemnation from rights groups and political leaders.
Local authorities confirmed the discovery, stating that the investigation is ongoing. “We are probing the motive behind this murder. No arrests have been made yet, but several villagers are being questioned,” a senior police official said on condition of anonymity as reported by the Clarion Media.
Dalit MLA and rights advocate Jignesh Mevani, who confirmed the killing after speaking with Patan’s district police chief, accused the state government of failing to protect marginalised communities. “Gujarat may boast of development, but for Dalits, it is becoming a living hell,” Mevani said during a public address.
Calling the incident not just a murder but an act of caste-based terror, Mevani demanded immediate justice for Solanki’s family. He urged the state to provide monetary compensation and at least two acres of agricultural land to the bereaved family. “The community must rise, protest peacefully but firmly. We will not be silenced,” he added and the Clarion Media reported.
Anger and grief have spread across Jakhota and nearby Pepla village, where Dalit residents have gathered to mourn and demand accountability. Human rights organizations, including the Gujarat Dalit Mahila Sangathan, have called on the National Human Rights Commission to intervene and initiate a judicial inquiry.
“This wasn’t just violence—it was a deliberate attempt to degrade and intimidate an entire community,” said Prof. Javed Alam, a sociologist who studies caste violence. “The message is clear: this was psychological warfare.” quotes the Clarion Media.
Solanki’s son, Dilip, expressed disbelief and heartbreak. “My father never harmed anyone. He didn’t deserve this. We want justice—not revenge, just justice.”
Residents of Jakhota described Harjibhai as kind and hardworking. “He helped everyone. Now we are all terrified,” said an elderly villager.
Dalit activist Ramesh Parmar condemned the murder as part of a growing pattern of caste-based brutality in Gujarat. “Under the current regime, these crimes are becoming more frequent and more extreme,” he said.
Despite the outcry, no senior official from the Gujarat state government, including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has issued a statement as of yet. Critics accuse the ruling BJP of turning a blind eye to the surge in caste-related atrocities, focusing instead on development rhetoric.
Activist Kavita Luhar warned of a dire future if such violence continues unchecked. “If we remain silent, more Harjibhais will be burned, more of our people humiliated, more families torn apart,” she said.
Enhanced police presence has been deployed in the area to prevent unrest, as tensions remain high and the community demands swift justice.
