An alleged case of caste-based violence has surfaced in Mehsana district of north Gujarat, a region widely regarded as a centre for higher education, where a Dalit student was reportedly assaulted inside the premises of a college hostel following a brief disagreement.
The complainant, a student enrolled in a BBA–BCA programme and a native of Porbandar, stated that the incident stemmed from a verbal exchange with another hostel resident on February 3. According to his statement, the accused, identified as Mitesh Purohit, hurled abuses during a casual interaction. When the student objected, he was allegedly warned of repercussions.
The following morning, as the student stepped out for college, he was allegedly intercepted near a Hanuman temple located close to the hostel. The complaint states that Purohit, along with three others, demanded that the student prostrate himself and apologise. Upon his refusal, the group allegedly subjected him to caste-based abuse and physically assaulted him using belts and wooden sticks.
In his complaint to the police, the student said the attackers attempted to publicly humiliate him. “They addressed me by my caste name and tried to force me to beg. The humiliation hurt more than the physical assault,” he reportedly told investigators.
The student sustained multiple injuries in the attack. While he initially sought treatment at a university hospital, he was later shifted to Mehsana Civil Hospital after his condition deteriorated.
Subsequently, the victim, accompanied by his mother, approached the Mehsana A Division police station and lodged a formal complaint. Police have registered a case under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with sections pertaining to assault and criminal intimidation. The accused are currently absconding.
“A case has been registered under the SC/ST Atrocities Act and other relevant sections. Teams have been formed and raids are being conducted to trace the accused,” a police official said.
The college administration said disciplinary action had been initiated. Vice-Principal V K Patel confirmed that the primary accused has been suspended from the hostel with immediate effect. “Given the gravity of the allegations, the institution has acted promptly. Further action will be taken after an internal inquiry,” he said.
