A young man from Sanathal, Dhruvrajsinh Chauhan, has accused renowned Gujarati folk artist Devayat Khavad of assault. The incident reportedly occurred near Gir, linked to a payment dispute.
According to police reports, Chauhan, age 23, suffered multiple fractures and lost valuable items including a gold chain worth around 15 to 17 tolas and cash amounting to ₹42,000 to ₹43,000 during the attack. The assailants, numbering between 12 and 15, allegedly forced Chauhan’s car off the road using two vehicles. They then smashed the car and beat him with pipes. During the attack, one of the assailants reportedly threatened Chauhan with a revolver, referencing a past legal case Chauhan had filed against him.
This violent confrontation is said to have roots in a dispute dating back to February. At that time, there was a disagreement over payment for a Dayra performance. Chauhan believes that the group tracked him down through a social media post related to the event. Although the attackers concealed their identities, Chauhan claims he was able to identify Khavad among them during the assault.
The Talala police have since registered a case and are actively investigating the incident. Meanwhile, Chauhan is receiving treatment for his injuries at a hospital in Junagadh.
Devayat Khavad is known for his performances in Gujarati folk literature, particularly in Dayra concerts. This is not the first time he has faced serious allegations. In December 2022, Khavad was arrested by Rajkot city police for an alleged assault on the owner of a Gujarati newspaper. This incident involved another violent confrontation where Khavad and two accomplices reportedly attacked Mayursinh Rana with iron pipes, resulting in injuries to Rana’s leg and feet. The assault was captured on CCTV and shared widely on social media, prompting public outcry.
In that earlier case, Khavad had sought anticipatory bail, indicating the gravity of the situation. The previous dispute stemmed from an argument regarding parking space and escalated into a violent encounter. Community members from the Kshatriya group, to which Rana belongs, expressed their outrage, demanding immediate action against Khavad and his associates.
As the investigation into the latest case unfolds, the police are working to gather more evidence and testimonies. The growing number of allegations against Khavad raises questions about the safety and conduct of public figures in the cultural sphere of Gujarat.
Chauhan’s case highlights not just individual grievances but also the broader implications of violence and intimidation in artistic communities. As the police continue their investigation, community leaders and citizens alike are hoping for justice and accountability in these troubling matters. No one should have to fear for their safety, regardless of the circumstances surrounding financial agreements or disputes.
The case is ongoing, and more updates are expected as police gather further details and evidence. For now, the community remains on edge, reflecting on the impact of such incidents on their cultural landscape and the artists who represent it.