Navsari: A man was allegedly assaulted by a group of local butchers in Dabhel village of Navsari district, following a dispute over refusing to participate in cattle slaughter. The injured man, Deepak Kalidas Hadpati, succumbed to his injuries this morning while undergoing treatment at Navsari Civil Hospital.

According to the victim’s family, the incident occurred around four to five days ago when Deepak allegedly declined to accompany the accused to slaughter a cow. The refusal reportedly led to an argument, following which he was allegedly subjected to a violent assault. A video showing Deepak in a critical condition at the hospital later surfaced on social media, drawing public attention to the case. His wife, Sunitaaben Hadpati, alleged that her husband was brutally beaten and left seriously injured.

Addressing the media, Haresh Chandu, Deputy Superintendent of Police, ST-SC Cell, confirmed that the victim succumbed to injuries sustained during the assault and that post-mortem procedures are being carried out. He said that the accused involved in the attack have been detained under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway.

The incident was brought into the public domain after social activist Jay Patel Nagaraj visited the victim at the hospital and shared details of the case. He demanded strict action against all accused and justice for the victim, alleging that members of the Halpati community in Dabhel are facing harassment.

Meanwhile, the incident has triggered political reactions, with allegations being made over the silence of leaders, including Jignesh Mevani, Anant Patel, and Chaitar Vasava. However, no official response from the leaders concerned has been issued so far.  DeshGujarat