A shocking case of physical assault on a nine-year-old child has emerged from a residential society in Surat, Gujarat. The young boy was playing with his friends inside the building's designated children's play area when a minor accident triggered severe physical retaliation from an adult resident. The dispute reportedly started when a lightweight smiley ball struck another resident's daughter during a casual game. The entire altercation, which left the young child injured and traumatized, was captured by nearby closed-circuit television cameras, leading local law enforcement to register an official case.
Incident at Rajhans-1 Symphonia in Althan Area
The confrontation took place inside the kids zone of Rajhans-1 Symphonia building, located in Surat's Althan neighborhood. According to the complaint filed by Jagrutiben Sonalia, a professor at P.T. Science College, her nine-year-old son Hitarth was playing with friends on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. While playing, a smiley ball inadvertently hit the young daughter of Vardhan Amrishbhai Shah, who also resides in the same housing society. The trivial incident quickly escalated as Vardhan Shah confronted the child, allegedly delivering five to six forceful slaps near the boy's ear, causing him to collapse onto the floor.
Child Pleaded on Knees, Casteist Slurs Alleged
The young boy reportedly dropped to his knees and held his ears to offer an immediate apology, yet the physical punishment did not stop. The accused allegedly continued to strike him while hurling caste-specific derogatory abuses. The severe ordeal left the child in acute shock and distress. Following the assault, Hitarth developed a fever along with visible facial swelling, prompting his worried family to rush him to Mridul Hospital in Bhatar for immediate medical care. Security recordings from the play area documented the entire confrontation, visibly recording Amrishbhai hitting the young boy.
Traumatized Child Returned Home in Tears
Describing the immediate aftermath, the boy's mother, Jagrutiben, stated that Hitarth returned home weeping uncontrollably, trembling with fear, and bearing swollen cheeks. When questioned, other children who were present during the incident recounted what had happened in the play zone. The family immediately reviewed the housing society's security camera footage positioned directly across from the play area, which verified the eyewitness accounts and revealed the assault in graphic detail.
Police Complaint Filed as ACP Takes Over Investigation
Armed with the security footage, the victim's mother lodged a formal complaint at the Althan police station. Recognizing the sensitivity of violence against minors and the allegations of casteist harassment, police authorities initiated a formal probe. ACP Z.R. Desai has taken charge of supervising and conducting the investigation to ensure strict legal action against those responsible.
