Dispute over daughter’s award turns deadly for man at Gujarat garba event
Porbandar: A quarrel over a Navratri event prize ended tragically when Sarman Odedara, 40, was brutally assaulted and later died from the injuries inflicted by the garba organizers in Porbandar. The incident occurred after his daughter, aged 11, was allegedly shortchanged in her prizes.
The incident took place near Krishna Park Society in Porbandar on October 24, said Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rutu Raba. Odedara’s daughter had claimed victory in two events at the function but was awarded only one prize. Raba confirmed the arrest of seven accused in the matter.
Upon hearing of her daughter’s disappointment, Maliben Odedara, the victim’s wife, approached the event organizers to clarify the matter. One of the organizers, Raju Keshwala, however, dismissively told her to either accept the single prize or leave.
The argument became more heated when Raja Kuchhadia and Ramde Bokhiria, two other organizers, allegedly joined Keshwala, issuing threats. Eyewitness reports from the FIR suggest that Maliben was verbally abused and threatened with physical harm.
Following the confrontation, Maliben along with her daughter, returned home. However, around an hour later, Kuchhadia, Bokhiria, Keshwala, Pratik Gorania, and three unidentified persons allegedly attacked Odedara outside his residence, hitting him with sticks and wooden planks. The attackers then dragged the injured man to the garba venue. Maliben also sustained injuries in her attempt to shield her husband.
The assailants continued their assault until the police, who were informed by the couple’s daughter, arrived at the scene. Despite immediate medical attention, Odedara succumbed to his injuries.