On Ambedkar Jayanti, a grim picture of increasing attacks on Dalits in Gujarat

As the country celebrates Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, crimes against the Dalits in Gujarat paint a concerning picture.

There has been a noticeable rise in cases of murder and rape of Dalits in urban areas. Dalits in a total of 27 villages across Gujarat have been given police protection. 

According to a report, incidents of atrocities against Dalits increased in Gujarat in 2024. In just one year, 31 Dalits were murdered, including 7 in Surat, and 4 each in Ahmedabad and Rajkot.

Additionally, there has been a rise in the number of assaults on Dalits. Over the past year, 94 attacks were reported. Police records indicate that such attacks took place across 15 districts, with the highest numbers recorded in Bhavnagar and Gir Somnath.

In one year, 156 Dalit women were victims of rape. Ahmedabad reported 18 cases, followed by Kutch with 17. Furthermore, 8 rape cases each were registered in Surat, Rajkot, Patan, Banaskantha, and Junagadh.

Cases of assault against Dalits also showed a significant upward trend. Assaults on Dalits were reported in 15 districts — with 6 in Bhavnagar, 3 in Gir Somnath, 3 in Kheda, and 2 each in Ahmedabad and Kutch.