Tragic Incident at Tribal Museum Site: Two Beaten to Death Over Theft Suspicion

Two tribals, Jayesh Tadvi and Sanjay Tadvi, were beaten to death by six construction workers on suspicion of theft near the Tribal Museum site in Gujarat's Narmada district. The accused have been arrested and charged with murder. The incident has sparked local protests led by politicians demanding accountability.

Two tribal individuals were allegedly beaten to death by a group of six workers on suspicion of theft at the under-construction 'Tribal Museum' site near the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat's Narmada district, according to police on Thursday.

The tragic incident occurred on the night of August 6, with the deceased identified as Jayesh Tadvi and Sanjay Tadvi, stated Narmada Superintendent of Police Prashant Sumbe.

'A group of six construction workers tied Jayesh, a Kevadia resident, and Sanjay, from Gabhan village, before assaulting them. Jayesh died immediately, while Sanjay succumbed to his injuries at the government hospital in Rajpipla this morning,' the SP disclosed.

'According to Sanjay Tadvi's dying declaration, he and Jayesh, both farm laborers, entered the construction site intending to steal metal scrap. They were caught and beaten up. The six suspects have been arrested and charged with murder,' he added.

The accused, charged with murder and other offenses under BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act), include Margish Hirmara from Ahmedabad, Dipu Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Umesh Gupta from Bihar, Deval Patel from Gandhinagar, and Shailesh Taviyad and Vanraj Taviyad from Panchmahal district, the official said.

Chaitar Vasava, an AAP MLA from Dediapada, has called for a 'bandh' in Garudeshwar taluka on Friday, engaging in a heated exchange with local police at the hospital and demanding the construction agency's owner be named in the FIR.

Mansukh Vasava, BJP MP from the neighboring Bharuch seat, noted that the company has already paid Rs 20 lakh each to the deceased's kin.

In 2019, the Centre approved the construction of a 'Museum for Tribal Freedom Fighters' near the Statue of Unity to honor tribals' contributions to the freedom struggle.

(With inputs from agencies.)