Ahmedabad, Gujarat: A case of alleged caste-based exclusion has emerged from Aayodya Society in Khokhra, Ahmedabad, where a Rajput (Darbar) family claims they were barred from participating in Navratri festivities. The incident has raised concerns about caste discrimination in Ahmedabad during community religious events.
Allegations of Discrimination
The complaint was filed by Yuvrajsinh Vaghela, a resident of Aayodya Society near the Madrasi Temple in Khokhra. Vaghela alleged that despite contributing ₹1,000 for the Navratri celebrations, his family was not allowed to participate in the Mataji havan (a religious ritual) and was later excluded from the society’s Garba festivities.
According to the application submitted to the Khokhra police, Vaghela stated that his was the only Rajput (Darbar) household in the society, while most other residents belonged to the same caste group. He alleged that society members intentionally discriminated against his family because of their caste.
Events Leading to the Complaint
Yuvrajsinh Vaghela explained that initially, when a society member came to collect donations for Navratri, he accepted the contribution without objection. However, an hour later, the same member returned with the money and informed the family that the Garba organizers had decided they could not participate in the havan or attend the Navratri Garba because they belonged to the Darbar community.
Yuvrajsinh Vaghela further alleged that the member insulted his wife, saying that people of their caste were “not welcome” in society events. The family was reportedly told to “sell the house and move elsewhere” if they wished to avoid such situations. Following the incident, Vaghela was also removed from the society’s WhatsApp group.
Protest and Police Complaint
In protest, Vaghela displayed a banner outside his home condemning the incident and calling out what he described as caste based exclusion. He then approached Khokhra police with a complaint against four society members, including the chairman.
The complaint demands action against those responsible for the alleged caste discrimination in Ahmedabad, highlighting how such practices can undermine social harmony during community festivals like Navratri.
Police Response
Police officials at Khokhra confirmed that a complaint has been registered and that the matter is under inquiry. Further investigation will determine whether legal action will be taken against the accused society members.
Read More: Caste or Patriarchy? The Hidden Bias in India’s Caste Benefit System
Final Thought
This case highlights even still caste discrimination lies in society. Indian society is developing society but this type of cases reflects the feeling of discrimination in the mind of people’s where they can barring someone from religious ceremony as his community is not more in numbers.
Caste discrimination is prohibited in India under Article 15 of the Constitution, which forbids discrimination by the state on the basis of caste, among other grounds.
