30 Jun. 24: A horrific incident unfolded during a cricket match in Chikhodra, Gujarat, resulting in the brutal death of a 23-year-old Muslim man named Salman Vohra. This tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for justice from the community and beyond.
As per a report from The Quint, Salman Vohra, a resident of Anand’s Polson compound, attended a cricket tournament match on June 22. Salman, who worked in the garment business, had recently married, and his wife, Mashira, is a few weeks pregnant.
Tensions escalated before the match as Muslim players performed exceptionally well, which did not sit well with a section of the pro-Hindutva locals. Activist Aasim Khedawala highlighted that many of the standout players were Muslims, raising fears of a possible communal confrontation.
The violence reportedly began with a parking dispute. A group of men, one of whom was intoxicated, confronted Salman and demanded he move his motorcycle. The situation quickly deteriorated, and a mob armed with bats and knives attacked Salman. Despite pleas for help, the crowd of approximately 5,000, predominantly non-Muslims, watched and cheered the attackers.
The report confirms that Salman sustained severe injuries, including a near-severed ear and a knife wound that damaged his kidney. Despite being rushed to two hospitals, he succumbed to his injuries.
An FIR was filed at the Anand Rural police station on June 23. The police have arrested nine individuals and are working to identify more suspects using a viral video of the attack. The main accused, Vishal and Shakti, are still at large.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation. Congress leaders are calling for stringent action against the perpetrators. Activist Aasim Khedawala insists that section 120B of the IPC (criminal conspiracy) should be added to the charges.
Journalist Rana Ayyub tweeted about the incident on X (formerly Twitter), amplifying the call for justice and highlighting the issue of communal violence in India.
Salman’s family, in shock and mourning, hopes for justice. The police have shown cooperation, but the community demands a thorough investigation and accountability.
