SC Youths Attempt Self-Immolation During Protest Over Dalit Man’s Murder In Amreli 

Amreli: Tensions escalated today as 4 to 5 youths from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community attempted to set themselves on fire during a protest held outside the Amreli District Collector’s office. The police intervened just in time, using water cannons to stop the self-immolation attempt and rushing the individuals to a nearby hospital via ambulance.

The protest was organized in response to the brutal murder of Nilesh Rathod, a Dalit youth, who was allegedly killed for addressing a shopkeeper’s son as “beta” (son), a term that reportedly triggered caste-based hostility. According to reports, the shopkeeper, enraged by Rathod’s use of the word, made derogatory caste-related remarks and summoned a group of around 15 men. The group then brutally assaulted Rathod with sticks and an axe. He sustained critical head injuries and died during treatment three days later.

The incident occurred on May 15, 2025, and has since sparked outrage within the SC community. Rathod’s family has refused to accept his body, currently kept at Bhavnagar Hospital, demanding justice from the state government. Their demands include a government job for a family member, land allocation, and strict action against the accused.

In the wake of today’s protest, security has been tightened in the area. Authorities claim that more than 10 suspects have been arrested and that legal proceedings are underway. However, community leaders and the victim’s family insist that justice has not yet been served.

Dalit activist and MLA Jignesh Mevani also visited the grieving family to express solidarity and demanded swift justice. As the protests continue, pressure mounts on the administration to take decisive action in the case and address the concerns of the marginalized community.