Bagdana: The Gujarat Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the attack on a sevak of the Bagdana Ashram, an incident that has triggered widespread anger within the Koli community.

The SIT has been formed by Bhavnagar Range Inspector General Gautam Parmar and will function under the supervision of Amreli Additional Superintendent of Police Jaiveer Gadhvi. The team comprises one Police Inspector (PI), one Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), and two head constables.

The SIT has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the case, collect all relevant documents, and submit daily progress reports to the Range IG. A comprehensive report will be forwarded upon completion of the probe. The decision to form the SIT was taken following a meeting between leaders of the Koli community and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel earlier today.

The case relates to the assault on Navneet Baldhiya, a sevak of the Bagdana Ashram and a village sarpanch, who was allegedly attacked with sticks and sharp weapons after a controversy erupted over a public statement made by folk artist Mayabhai Ahir.

The controversy dates back to December 24, when Mayabhai Ahir, during a programme in Mumbai, referred to a “managing trustee” of the Bagdana Dham Trust. After the video of his statement went viral, Baldhiya reportedly contacted Ahir, stating that no such post existed. Ahir later acknowledged the error and issued a public apology through a video message, which was subsequently circulated on social media.

Later, an audio clip went viral in which Mayabhai Ahir’s son, Jairaj, was allegedly heard calling for a meeting with Baldhiya. Baldhiya was attacked the night before the proposed meeting. Subsequently, Baldhiya alleged that the attack was carried out at the behest of influential individuals.

The incident has sparked strong reactions within the Koli community, with leaders expressing dissatisfaction over the delay in the arrest of the main accused and raising concerns over the police investigation. Koli leaders, including MLA Hira Solanki, have appealed for calm and urged people not to give the incident a communal or caste-based colour.

State Minister Purushottam Solanki stated that a fair and impartial investigation should be conducted and that those responsible must be punished strictly. He emphasised that no individual or group should be shielded from the law.

With the SIT now in place, authorities have assured that the case will be investigated objectively and expeditiously. The developments are being closely watched amid rising public attention to the matter. DeshGujarat