Congress condemns Gir Somnath Dalit assault, calls for action against accused

Strongly condemning the Gir Somnath Dalit assault incident in which a Dalit family was assaulted for allegedly skinning a dead cow, the Congress on Tuesday called for strict action against all the accused, adding that the neglecting officer should be sent to jail for his lackadaisical attitude on the matter.

"We are monitoring the matter and we have asked to take strong action against all those who can be seen in the video. A case should also be registered against the investigating officer who neglected the matter. He should be sent to jail. We will make sure that action is taken against all the accused and the victim's family gets justice," Congress leader P.L. Punia told ANI.

Dubbing the Dalit assault as a 'major blow to humanity', Punia alleged that the district administration has been irresponsible and tried to hush the matter.

"FIR was registered only against five people. When they were made to see a video footage which shows 30-35 men involved, they arrested three more persons. The way hooliganism is going on in the name of cow protection is strongly condemnable. This kind of atmosphere is being made not only in Gujarat but in the whole nation," he added.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the matter and also called for a designated court to be set in consultation with the High Court for speedy trial in the matter.

Earlier on July 11, few people were removing the skin from the carcass of a cow at Bediya village of Gir Somnath, when five persons came in a Xylo car and asked them why they were slaughtering the cow.

The people replied that they were removing the skin from the cow's carcass.

Not satisfied with the explanation, the men immediately started abusing and beating them with an iron pipe, lathi's, aluminium strip etc. They also looted three mobile phones.

A case was registered under the Una Police Station on the same day under Sections 307, 323, 324, 395 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code, Gujarat Police Act Section 135, Section 3 (2) (v)-Prevention of Atrocities Act against six persons by Vasarambhai Balubhai Sarvaiya of Mota Samdiyala village of Una taluka of Gir Somnath district.

The district officials including the District Collector had visited the hospital and met the victims and are currently supervising all necessary action.

In view of alleged mishandling, one Police Inspector and two Assistant Sub-Inspectors and one Head Constable were suspended earlier on July 14 and July 17 respectively for dereliction of duty.

A compensation of Rs. one lakh was paid on the basis of registration of offence earlier on July 14.