In Gujarat’s Bharuch district, a man named Altaf Hussain Sheikh has been arrested for assaulting Jain Sadhvis. The accused attacked the Jain Sadhvis with a belt when they were on their way to Vihar on the Tham-Derol Highway. Sheikh assaulted the Sadhvis after they asked him to stay away since they practice austerity and maintain distance from men. During the incident on 28 May, a person passing by the area caught Altaf Hussain Sheikh and turned him over to the police.

Reports say six Shwetambars left Bharuch early in the morning for Jain Sadhviji Vihar. Meanwhile, Vihar Sevak accompanied them, however, he returned after a few kilometres’ journey. Then, the accused from Muhamadpura started chasing them and started shouting to terrify the Jain Sadhvis. As they passed through Tham village near Derol village Patiya on the Jambusar road, the accused Sheikh came very close to the Jain Sadhvis. In response, the Sadhvis asked Sheikh to back off. He, however, became enraged and kicked one of the female monks, then took out his belt and started beating them.

Meanwhile, a local villager, Satishbhai Rathod, saw Sheikh attacking the Shwetambar Sadhvis and caught him. Satishbhai informed the Bharuch Taluka Police Station about the matter. However, the accused reportedly jumped on a tempo and managed to escape. With the help of Rathod, the police arrested the accused near Vagra Chokdi. As per the latest information, the Bharuch Taluka Police are investigating the matter.

(Featured Image Source: Desh Gujarat)