Bhavnagar: In connection with the attack on Bagdana Ashram sevak Navneet Baldhiya, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday questioned Jayraj Ahir, son of renowned folk singer Mayabhai Ahir, for nearly three and a half hours.

Jayraj Ahir appeared before the SIT after being served a summons in the controversial Bagdana assault case and was questioned as part of the ongoing investigation into the brutal attack that occurred in December 2025.

After recording his statement, Jayraj Ahir spoke to the media outside the SIT office, stating, “I have answered all the questions asked by the SIT. I have full faith in the law. Whenever I am called again in connection with this case, I will cooperate and appear before the investigation team.”

Allegations by the Victim

Victim Navneet Baldhiya has alleged that Jayraj Ahir was directly involved in orchestrating the attack on him. Two days earlier, Baldhiya had appeared before the SIT and claimed that he submitted 15 pieces of evidence supporting his allegations.

Following nearly two hours of questioning, Baldhiya told the media that the evidence provided could help the SIT reach the main conspirator. He reiterated his claim that Jayraj Ahir was behind the assault and stated that even lower-ranking police personnel privately believe Jayraj’s involvement in the case.

Baldhiya also warned that if justice is not delivered, the Koli community may convene a large-scale community convention in protest.

Meanwhile, a total of 13 accused have been arrested so far in the case. Earlier arrests included Naju Kamaliya, Raju Bhammar, Atul Bhammar, Virendra Parmar, Satish Vanaliya, Bhavesh Selala, Viru Saida, and Pankaj Mer.

Following the formation of the SIT, three more accused—Kanubhai Bhikhabhai Kamaliya, Sanjay Chavda, and Dinesh alias Dadu Lomabhai Solanki—were taken into custody. Recently, two additional accused were arrested: Uttam Bharatbhai Bambhaniya, a resident of Ratanpar Navagam, and Ajay alias Moto Manjibhai Bhaliya, a resident of Bagdana.

Background of the Case

On the night of December 29, 2025, Navneet Baldhiya was allegedly attacked by eight assailants using sticks and iron pipes, leaving him seriously injured.

Later, Navneet revealed the sequence of events that allegedly led to the attack. According to him, during a programme in Mumbai, Mayabhai Ahir had referred to Yogesh Sagar as the Managing Trustee of the Bagdana Trust. However, Baldhiya later informed Mayabhai Ahir over the phone that no such position exists.

Mayabhai Ahir acknowledged the mistake and voluntarily recorded an apology video, which Baldhiya shared with a few acquaintances. Baldhiya claims that this apology angered Jayraj Ahir, who later contacted him and allegedly hatched a conspiracy that led to the assault.

Baldhiya has further alleged that the police initially attempted to divert the investigation and has demanded that authorities examine phone records and video-call data of the attackers to determine whom they were communicating with during the assault.

The SIT, constituted following widespread outrage and protests by the Koli community, continues to investigate the case from all angles. Officials have stated that further questioning and arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses. DeshGujarat