Murder triggers protests by Dalit community in city

Rajkot: The murder of 32-year-old Bhavesh Vanvi led to a tense law and order situation in the city on Monday night, as members of the Dalit community protested outside Civil Hospital.Bhavesh Vanvi was allegedly kidnapped in a car near Dream City in the Raiyadhar area on Sunday night and was later dumped near Sheetal Park. He was rushed to Civil Hospital in a critical condition and died in the early hours of Monday.News of his death led to large protests, with members of the Dalit community gathering at the hospital and refusing to accept the body for last rites. Demonstrators blocked the hospital square, raised slogans and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.Police intervened to control the situation and detained 20 individuals, including some community leaders, for rioting and obstructing public servants. A case was registered at A Division police station. During the protest, assistant sub-inspector Sanjay Dafda of Rajkot city crime branch was allegedly pushed and assaulted while on duty, prompting another complaint.Meanwhile, police arrested three persons — Ravi Jogarana (33), Sagar Jogarana (26) and Gopal Jogarana (22) — for their alleged role in the murder. According to investigating officer Chintan Patel, the prime accused, Hamir Jogarana, remains absconding, along with others identified as Dev Karan, Vikram and Bhuro.The preliminary inquiry suggests the crime stemmed from a personal dispute. Police said Vanvi was in a relationship with a woman and tensions escalated after he allegedly discovered her communication with the prime accused, Hamir, on Instagram. The dispute had led to prior complaints from both sides.Police sources said Hamir had earlier filed an application alleging that Vanvi, the woman and others were trying to blackmail him with threats of filing false cases for molestation and rape.Both the deceased and prime accused have criminal records. Vanvi was earlier booked in cases related to prohibition, assault and rioting, while Hamir has a previous case under the Arms Act.Police said efforts are underway to apprehend the absconding accused and maintain law and order in the area.