The latest incident occurred on Friday at approximately 9:45 AM near the Padmavati Devi Temple. According to a police complaint filed at the Palitana Town Police Station, Dineshkumar Trilokchandji Jain, a resident of Chennai who was visiting for the pilgrimage, was accosted by four unknown individuals.

Watch | Pilgrim Robbed of Gold Chain at Knifepoint on Shatrunjay Hill in Palitanahttps://t.co/1PITPozzqK pic.twitter.com/d12CDkFZPt

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While climbing the hill, one assailant grabbed him from behind while another brandished a huge knife to intimidate him. During a brief struggle, the suspects forcibly snatched a gold chain from his neck and fled the scene. Jain reportedly sustained minor blunt force injuries during the scuffle. His wife, who was trailing behind, raised an alarm, but the lack of mobile network coverage on the hill delayed the reporting of the crime until they could reach the Trust’s office.

This attack follows another recent incident in which a female pilgrim was reportedly robbed of her gold chain at knife-point by unidentified persons on the same trekking route.

Trust and Police Response

In response to the growing unrest, the Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Trust issued an official statement on April 17, confirming the incident and detailing immediate security upgrades. The Trust’s representative, Manishbhai Kanadia, stated that they are working to address the security lapses immediately.

The Trust has committed to the following measures:

• CCTV Surveillance: High-resolution CCTV cameras are being installed to cover the entire 3,500-step trekking route and other sensitive areas.
• Increased Patrolling: Security personnel and guards are being deployed for constant patrolling across the hill.
• Police Coordination: The Trust is coordinating with the Palitana Town Police to increase the presence of on-site police officers.

The Palitana Town Police have registered an FIR against four unidentified individuals under various sections of the law and have formed teams to apprehend the suspects.

Community Concerns

The timing of these crimes has caused significant distress, as the Akhatrij festival is expected to draw thousands of pilgrims to Shatrunjay Teerth in the coming days. Local devotees and pilgrims are demanding a permanent and robust security infrastructure to ensure that the sanctity and safety of the holy site are maintained.

The Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Trust has urged pilgrims to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel, while promising that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent future occurrences. DeshGujarat