SIT to probe Dalit activist's immolation

The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the self-immolation case of Dalit activist Bhanu Vankar and the circumstances that led to it.

State Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja said the three-member SIT will be headed by Inspector General of Police Narsimha Komar. Retired government official Kirit Adhvaryu and SP Makarand Chauhan will be the SIT's member and member secretary, respectively. The SIT has been asked to submit its report by March 31.

"The SIT will look into the incidents that led Bhanu Vankar to self-immolation. He reportedly took the step after failing to get proper response to his demand for land allotment to his family in Dudkha village of Patan despite several representations. Strict action will be taken against those responsible," Jadeja said.

On January 17, Vankar had written to Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, stating he and two others would perform agnisnan (self-immolation) if land was not allotted to Dalits, some of whom had even deposited money with the authorities.

When the demand was not fulfilled, Vankar set himself on fire outside Patan district collectorate on February 15, even as police managed to stop two others from doing so. Vankar sustained over 90% burn injuries and died at Apollo Hospital in Gandhinagar the next day. Protests erupted at several places following the incident, and Vankar's family accepted his body only after the government agreed to allot land to Dalits in Dudkha.

The land was allotted to two Dalit families earlier this week, the state government said. Vankar's teacher son Bhargavkumar Meuva, who was posted in Jamwada village of Santalpur taluka, was also transferred to a school in Indiranagar village of Sidhpur to enable him live with his family.