Bhavnagar: A Scheduled Caste rickshaw driver was allegedly beaten up by a group of Muslim men near the Vasan Ghat area in the city recently. The victim was reportedly dragged out of his rickshaw and told not to drive in the Vadva Nera area. Four men attacked him, delivering over 35 blows using pipes and causing serious injuries before fleeing the scene. The incident has sparked local outrage.

A complaint under the Atrocities Act has been lodged at Nilambagh Police Station against the four accused, including Sakilbaba, Faizan, Mastan, and an unidentified individual.

The victim, Rahulbhai Gautambhai Dulera, is a resident of Vidyanagar Gandhi Colony in Bhavnagar. According to the complaint, he was ferrying a passenger from Gangajaliya Lake to Kumbharwada when he was stopped in the Vadva Nera area by four men. They allegedly insulted him on the basis of his caste, dragged him out of the rickshaw by his feet, and attacked him with pipes, sticks, and iron rods.

The assault, reportedly following caste-based abuse, has caused a wave of anger among Scheduled Caste leaders. Police have initiated an investigation following the complaint. DeshGujarat