Gujarati folk artiste Devayat Khavad accused of assaulting youth over payment dispute

A 23-year-old man from Sanathal has accused Gujarati folk artistee Devayat Khavad and 12-15 of his accomplices of attacking him after ramming his car near Gir, police said. The victim, Dhruvrajsinh Chauhan, suffered multiple fractures and was robbed of cash and jewellery worth over ₹40,000.

The assault occurred while Chauhan was travelling with friends from a resort near Chitrod to Somnath. According to the police complaint, the attackers used vehicles to force Chauhan's Kia car off the road before launching the assault.

Victim forced off road in coordinated attack

Chauhan told the police that a Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Creta rammed into his vehicle from front and rear, forcing it to stop. The assailants then smashed the car and beat him with pipes, causing fractures to his hands and legs.

During the attack, the perpetrators allegedly threatened Chauhan with a firearm. “I bought this illegal revolver just for you. Since you filed a case against me, I'll shoot you,” one attacker reportedly told the victim, according to the complaint.

The attackers also snatched a gold chain weighing 15–17 tolas and cash worth ₹42,000–₹43,000 before fleeing the scene.

Attack linked to payment dispute over folk performance

Chauhan claims the assault stems from a February dispute with Khavad over payment for a Dayra performance. Both parties had filed complaints with police following that earlier incident.

The victim believes the attackers tracked him down after he posted his location on social media, showing he was visiting Gir.

Chauhan stated that while the attackers had covered their faces, he was able to identify Khavad when the cloth slipped from the folk artiste's face during the assault.

The victim’s friends, who recorded video footage of the incident, were also reportedly threatened by the group.

Police investigation underway

Chauhan is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Junagadh for his injuries. Talala police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the alleged assault.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the parties following their earlier dispute over the folk performance payment.