Elderly couple allegedly assaulted in Ahmedabad over waste dispute, society members deny

An elderly couple from Vasupujya Society in the Satellite area of Ahmedabad has alleged that they were assaulted by housing society members following a dispute over waste material and storage of charitable items.

The society chairperson, on the other hand, has denied the allegations and said that the members were merely moving the ‘waste’ put up by the family in the common area of the society.

Both parties have filed applications against the other with Satellite police.

According to the couple’s daughter, Chandani Nebhnani, her 77-year-old mother Lajwanti Nebhnani, who is a TB and cancer patient, and 88-year-old father were allegedly attacked by several residents, including society chairperson Vaishali Maheshwari. 

The incident took place after boxes containing recyclable items for charity were kept outside their apartment. Chandani, who runs a foundation and works as a “best out of waste” recycling artist, said the boxes contained diyas, chaniya cholis, and glass bottles meant for underprivileged children.

Allegations by the couple

In a written complaint, Lajwanti claimed that on September 14 around 10 am, multiple society members barged into their flat, threw away charity material, and physically assaulted the family.

Lajwanti said she was beaten with sticks and allegedly pushed towards the balcony in an attempt to endanger her life. She alleged that her 88-year-old husband sustained bleeding injuries on his hands, and internal injuries to chest and head.

In the altercation between the society members, her daughter Chandani was allegedly slapped, assaulted, and threatened, her phone was allegedly snatched to delete the video evidence.

Household items including a refrigerator, cupboards, grains, medicines, art materials, footwear, toys, and even a child’s pram were allegedly stolen or destroyed, notes the complaint.

Society chairperson’s response

On the other hand, society chairperson Vaishali Maheshwari told Gujarat Samachar Digital that the couple, who live on the 10th floor, had been storing large amounts of waste in the common area, making it difficult for residents to move around. She also alleged that liquor bottles, condom packets were found in the waste.

Maheshwari further claimed that on September 14, while she was on her way to a friend’s house located next to the Nebhnanis’ flat, she was attacked with a stick by Mrs Lajwanti. She said she then contacted the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to remove the waste, but AMC staff declined, stating that their responsibility only extended to ground floor collection.

According to Maheshwari, she then requested some society members to clear the material. She maintained that they simply shifted the waste downstairs, while Chandani has alleged that it was thrown out of the society premises.

Allegations on police inaction

The Nebhnani family has accused officers at Satellite Police Station of negligence. They alleged that the FIR was delayed until late evening despite repeated calls. Only four names were recorded, while several other accused were left out. They were pressured to sign a half-written FIR.

Earlier complaints were allegedly ignored or dismissed as “maintenance/tax issues”. Despite visible injuries and medical distress, their grievances were not properly registered.

The family said they were treated at Sola Civil Hospital, underwent CT scans and X-rays, and have suffered immense physical pain, financial loss, and mental trauma.

Police response

PI V J Choudhary of Satellite police told Gujarat Samachar Digital  that the police had received applications from both parties. He added that no FIR had been registered as the matter was considered a society dispute, and both sides were advised to resolve the issue amicably without police involvement.