Rajkot Court Delivers Justice After Eight-Year Wait in Stray Dog Feeding Attack Case
A Rajkot sessions court has finally delivered justice in a shocking case of violence against a woman who was simply feeding stray dogs. The court convicted two local men and sentenced them to twelve years of rigorous imprisonment for their brutal assault that occurred back in 2018.
Court Convicts Hardik Kheradiya and Tejas Rathod
Additional Sessions Judge V K Bhatt pronounced the verdict on January 8, finding Hardik Kheradiya (40) and Tejas Rathod (30) guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. The court convicted them specifically under Sections 307 for attempt to murder, Section 326 for causing grievous hurt, Section 448 for house trespass, and Section 114 as abettors.
The judge also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 60,000 on each convicted man. However, the court acquitted a third accused person in the case due to insufficient evidence against him.
The Horrific Incident at Laxmiwadi
According to the prosecution's case, this violent episode unfolded on the evening of October 12, 2018, in the Laxmiwadi area of Rajkot. The victim, Sharda Shishangiya, was performing a simple act of kindness by feeding a stray dog outside her residence around 10 PM.
Her neighbor Hardik Kheradiya confronted her angrily, blaming her for dog-bite incidents occurring in their locality. He allegedly began verbally abusing her before striking her head violently with a stick.
When Sharda's nephew Dipak tried to intervene and protect her, Hardik threatened him and temporarily left the scene. But he soon returned with reinforcements.
Brutal Attack Inside the Home
Hardik came back with Tejas Rathod, who carried a knife, and another unidentified person armed with a stick. The three men forcefully entered Sharda's house and launched a vicious assault on her, causing serious injuries.
As Dipak attempted to rescue his aunt from the attackers, Tejas stabbed him brutally in the back. The attack caused Dipak to collapse immediately from his injuries.
Sharda suffered multiple injuries during the assault, including wounds to her left hand when she tried to grab the knife from her attacker. She was stabbed again during the struggle. Fortunately, neighbors heard the commotion and rushed to the scene, ultimately rescuing both victims from further harm.
Before fleeing, the accused men allegedly threatened Sharda and Dipak, warning that they would kill them next time.
Medical Treatment and Police Investigation
Given the severity of their injuries, medical personnel recorded Sharda's statement at Rajkot Civil Hospital. The Bhaktinagar police station registered a formal First Information Report on October 13, 2018, based on her complaint.
Police conducted a thorough investigation into the incident and eventually filed a chargesheet against the accused men. They invoked all relevant legal charges based on the evidence collected during their probe.
Strong Prosecution Case Secures Conviction
Additional Public Prosecutor P N Shah explained that the prosecution presented a compelling case before the court. They examined sixteen witnesses during the trial and produced fifty-five documentary exhibits as evidence.
This evidence included crucial medical reports and forensic findings that supported the prosecution's version of events. Despite the accused men denying all charges against them, the court found the evidence on record convincing enough to convict them.
"The court convicted them based on the evidence on record," Shah stated clearly after the verdict was announced.
This case highlights both the dangers faced by those who care for animals in some communities and the judicial system's capacity to deliver justice even years after violent crimes occur. The twelve-year sentence sends a strong message about the consequences of such brutal attacks on innocent citizens.
