Jain Tapasvi group hit by overturned tractor in Rajkot, one monk dies, two injured

A tragic road accident occurred early Tuesday morning on the Jasdan–Atkot four-lane road in Rajkot when a Jain Tapasvi group travelling on foot from Surat to Junagadh was struck by an overturned tractor. The impact led to the death of one monk and left two others injured.

According to details, around 19 Jain monks from the Surat region had halted overnight in Jasdan and resumed their walking at around 6.30 am. While they were walking towards Atkot, a tractor loaded with sacks of groundnuts was moving ahead on the road. At the same time, a speeding car approached from behind and rammed into the tractor with great force. The collision caused the tractor to overturn, and its trolley collapsed onto three Jain monks who were walking ahead.

The rear portion of the overturned trolley struck Mahasatiji Shrutnidhi, aged about 40, on the head, causing severe injuries. She died on the spot. Two other Mahasatijis Dharmaprajna and Shrutvruddhi suffered serious injuries and were immediately shifted to Atkot Hospital for treatment. The front portion of the car was crushed in the accident, and those trapped inside had to be rescued after cutting open the vehicle.

As news of the accident spread, Jain leaders from Jasdan who had arranged the group’s night halt, along with local volunteers, rushed to assist in rescue efforts. Police teams also reached the site promptly. Considering the severity of the incident, Rajkot district police chief Vijay Singh Gurjar personally arrived at the location to oversee the situation.

The Atkot police have initiated legal action against tractor driver Pravin Jadav as well as the driver of the car involved in the collision. The incident has deeply shocked the Jain community, which has expressed grief over the loss of a respected Mahasatiji during the religious journey.