RAJKOT: A Dalit RTI activist, who was provided police protection after threat to life, was murdered near his house in Sanodar village of Bhavnagar’s Ghogha taluka, on Tuesday evening.
The victim Amra Boricha was attacked by some people in sharp-edged weapons and sticks. Boricha died on the spot, but the community members and family refused to take the body for cremation until the assailants are arrested.
After receiving threats, Boricha was earlier given SRP unit protection, which was later withdrawn and replaced with Gram Rakshak Dal (GRD) jawans, Dalit rights activists claimed. When contacted, Bhavnagar range IG Ashok Yadav said, “I have handed over the investigation to DySP of SC/ST cell and asked him conduct a detailed probe. We are investigating all the allegation made by the family and activists.”
Deputy superintendent of police, SC/ST cell, DV Kodiyatar added, “It’s also a matter of investigation how he was attacked despite having the protection of GRD jawans.”
Talking to TOI, Mavji Sarvaiya, a Dalit leader in Bhavnagar alleged: “Boricha was attacked by some people of a community five years ago and he had suffered permanent damage in legs. He was under pressure to withdraw the FIR and settle the issue. His house was set on fire once and his daughter attacked.”
Boricha is survived by wife, a daughter and two sons.Boricha’s body was kept in Bhavnagar’s Sir T Hospital.