Assault & Intimidation: Dalit Employee’s Ordeal Sparks Police Action in Gujarat

In Morbi city, Gujarat, police have filed a case against a businesswoman and at least six others for allegedly assaulting a 21-year-old Dalit man employed in her company.

The victim, Nilesh Dalsaniya, had worked for her for a fortnight. The incident took place on Wednesday, and the complaint was lodged by Dalsaniya, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on Thursday by Morbi city’s ‘A’ division police.

Vibhuti Patel, also known as Raniba, is identified as the owner of Raniba Industries Pvt Ltd, located in a commercial complex at Ravapar Crossroad. Dalsaniya, engaged in tiles marketing, was hired in early October with a monthly salary of Rs 12,000. However, he was unexpectedly terminated on October 18. When he requested his salary for the 16 days worked, Patel provided no clear response and ceased responding to his calls.

On Wednesday evening, when Dalsaniya, accompanied by his brother Mehul and neighbor Bhavesh, visited Patel’s office seeking resolution, Vibhuti Patel’s brother, Om Patel, arrived with accomplices and initiated an assault on the trio. The FIR details how Vibhuti Patel slapped and dragged Dalsaniya to the terrace of the commercial complex.

Accompanied by Parikshit Patel, Om Patel, and six to seven unidentified individuals, the accused subjected him to physical abuse, including the use of belts, kicking, and punching.

Dalsaniya alleged that Vibhuti Patel compelled him to place her footwear in his mouth and apologize for demanding his salary. Furthermore, she threatened harm, stating he would be killed if spotted in the Ravapar Crossroad area again. The assailants recorded a video, coercing him to claim he visited Vibhuti’s office for extortion purposes.

Following the incident, the Dalit man was taken to Morbi civil hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. The accused face charges including assault, criminal intimidation, rioting, and violations under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Deputy Superintendent of Police (SC/ST Cell), Pratipalsinh Zala, confirmed an ongoing investigation, emphasizing that no arrests have been made as of yet.