Rajkot: A Dalit family has alleged that they were subjected to caste-based abuse and death threats for trying to enter a Hanuman temple at Jalaram Society near the Ratanpar village turn on the Rajkot-Morbi highway.Rajesh Jadav, 55, lodged a complaint with Kuvadva Road police against four persons — Raju Ramavat, Mayur Ramavat, Hetal Bhalsod and Chandresh Bhalsod — alleging criminal intimidation and insult to provoke breach of peace under BNS, and offences under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Jadav, a labourer, has been living with his family in Jalaram Society for two and a half years. He alleged that the temple caretaker, Raju Ramavat, had prevented his family from entering the Hanuman temple ever since they moved in.The matter was raised before the village sarpanch on June 22. The sarpanch is said to have told both sides that the temple was a public place of worship and that every resident had the right to offer prayers there.Later that evening, Jadav’s wife, Sapna, and other women from the neighbourhood, went to perform service near the temple platform.Around 7am on June 23, an argument erupted over the issue. Rajesh Jadav alleged that Raju Ramavat, his son Mayur Ramavat, Hetal Bhalsod, and her husband Chandresh Bhalsod abused him and his family and subjected them to caste-based slurs.The complaint further states that the accused allegedly told the family they had “no right to enter the temple” and said they had “defiled” the place of worship. Raju Ramavat is also accused of grabbing Rajesh Jadav by the collar and threatening to kill the entire family if Sapna approached the temple again.
