Amreli district witnessed a grave incident on the night of June 30, 2024, when three young men were seriously injured after being deliberately run over by a vehicle inside the Amreli Civil Hospital premises. This attack followed an earlier altercation, escalating tensions and raising concerns about public safety in hospital zones.
What Happened in Amreli Civil Hospital
The sequence of events began on June 29, 2024, with a physical confrontation between two local youths, Ravi Vegda and Bharat Ketiya, in Savarkundla town of Amreli district. The fight was significant enough to warrant a police complaint and subsequent admission of Ravi Vegda and another youth, Hitesh Ketiya, to Amreli Civil Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
On the following night, June 30, as the injured youths Ravi Vegda, Ajay Chouhan, and Hitesh Gelotara were walking towards the hospital canteen, Jaysukh Ketiya, brother of Bharat Ketiya, arrived in a Hyundai i20 car. Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage confirm that Jaysukh deliberately accelerated his vehicle towards the group.
The impact threw the three men several meters away. Disturbingly, Jaysukh then reversed his car and ran over them a second time before fleeing the scene. The hospital staff immediately alerted local authorities and emergency responders.
Due to the severity of their injuries, Ajay Chouhan and Hitesh Gelotara were transferred to a specialized hospital in Rajkot for advanced medical treatment, while Ravi Vegda continued treatment at Amreli Civil Hospital.
Amreli Police, under the jurisdiction of Superintendent of Police Bhavesh Patel, have registered a case of attempted murder against Jaysukh Ketiya. Investigations are ongoing, with forensic analysis underway and additional witnesses being questioned.
Why This Incident Matters for Gujarat
This shocking act of violence inside a healthcare facility has raised alarms regarding safety protocols in public institutions across Gujarat. Hospitals are meant to be safe havens for the injured and vulnerable, yet this incident highlights a breach of security that compromises patient and staff safety.
Amreli district officials, including Collector Dr. Mehul Joshi, have called for a review of hospital security measures statewide to prevent similar occurrences. The incident also underscores the need for stricter enforcement of law and order in public spaces, particularly in sensitive zones like hospitals.
Local communities are demanding swift justice and better conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent personal disputes from escalating into violence. The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission has taken note of the case and is monitoring the investigation closely.
Background and Context of Violence in Amreli District
Amreli, part of the Saurashtra region, has generally been peaceful, but recent months have seen sporadic violence related to local disputes. According to district crime records, there has been a 12% increase in reported assault cases in the past year.
The June 29 fight between Ravi Vegda and Bharat Ketiya reportedly stemmed from a longstanding personal rivalry, exacerbated by community tensions. Such disputes often escalate without timely intervention from local authorities.
This incident is not isolated; similar violent episodes have occurred in other parts of Gujarat, such as the recent drunk driving accident in Ahmedabad and the gas leak fire in Anand causing injuries. These events collectively highlight challenges in public safety enforcement across the state.
Key Numbers and Data on the Incident and Related Crime Statistics
- Date of incident: Night of June 30, 2024
- Number of victims injured: 3 (Ravi Vegda, Ajay Chouhan, Hitesh Gelotara)
- Number of victims seriously injured and transferred to Rajkot: 2 (Ajay Chouhan, Hitesh Gelotara)
- Vehicle involved: Hyundai i20, driven by Jaysukh Ketiya
- Number of similar hospital-related violent incidents reported in Gujarat in last 5 years: 4 (according to Gujarat Health Department records)
- Increase in assault cases in Amreli district in 2023-24: 12% (Amreli Police Crime Statistics Report)
- Cases registered for attempted murder in Gujarat in 2023: 1,350 (Gujarat State Crime Records Bureau)
What Comes Next for the Amreli Hospital Case and Public Safety
The Amreli Police have intensified their search for Jaysukh Ketiya. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information leading to his apprehension. Meanwhile, security has been increased at all government hospitals in Amreli district under the directive of the Gujarat Health Department.
Officials are also planning to implement a CCTV network upgrade with real-time monitoring in all district hospitals to deter violent acts and enable faster police response. The Amreli Civil Hospital has initiated staff training on emergency protocols to handle such crises.
Legal proceedings against Jaysukh Ketiya are expected to proceed swiftly once he is arrested. The victims’ families have demanded exemplary punishment to serve as a deterrent against similar attacks.
This case also calls for community engagement programs in Amreli and surrounding districts to promote peaceful conflict resolution and awareness about the consequences of violence.
The incident has been widely reported, including in Gujarat: Car Hits Three Youths in Amreli After Dispute, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in public safety and law enforcement.
Bottom Line: The deliberate attack on three youths inside Amreli Civil Hospital signals critical gaps in security and law enforcement requiring immediate action; residents are urged to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure justice and safer public spaces.