Gujarat: 17-Year-Old Muslim Boy Critical After Alleged Custodial Torture in Botad

Ahmedabad: A 17-year-old Muslim boy from Gujarat’s Botad district is in critical condition at a hospital in Ahmedabad after his family alleged he was illegally detained, tortured, and sexually abused during nine days of police custody. The boy, Makhiala (name changed for legal reasons), reportedly suffered kidney failure and is undergoing dialysis.

According to the family, Makhiala — a daily wage labourer and the sole breadwinner for his grandparents and two sisters — was picked up by Botad Town police on August 19 on suspicion of theft. They claim he was never produced before a magistrate, which is a legal requirement, and was instead beaten and abused in custody.

“Police picked him up from a local fair where he had gone after work,” said his uncle, Sohilbhai. “We thought he was missing for two days. When we tried to file a report, we were told he was under investigation.”

Serious Medical Condition

After nine days in custody, Makhiala was admitted to Botad Civil Hospital, but as his condition worsened, the family shifted him to Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad, where doctors confirmed kidney failure and multiple injuries on his legs, waist, and internal organs. He remains unconscious in the intensive care unit.

“Doctors have confirmed he was brutally assaulted and denied timely medical care,” said the family. “His body is swollen, and his condition is life-threatening.”

Allegations of Abuse and Theft

The family alleges that Makhiala was not only beaten but also sexually assaulted in custody. His grandfather, who tried to intervene, was also allegedly detained and beaten for six days. The family further accused the police of entering their home under the pretext of investigation and stealing ₹50,000, money saved by Makhiala’s sisters for emergencies.

“That money was saved from the girls’ government allowance. Let the police keep it. We only want justice for our child,” said Sohilbhai.

Police Denial and Rights Group Response

While Botad police deny arresting the boy, they have not offered any documented proof. A district police officer refused to give his name and declined to comment further.

The case gained public attention after a video of the boy’s family detailing the torture went viral on social media, sparking outrage.

The Minority Coordination Committee (MCC), a Gujarat-based human rights group, has demanded:

• Immediate suspension of involved officers
• Filing of criminal charges
• Preservation of CCTV footage from the police station
• Independent medical review by doctors at Civil Hospital
• Transfer of the accused officers outside the district to prevent tampering

“The police acted with a malicious mindset and violated Supreme Court guidelines,” said Mujahid Nafees, MCC convener. “Custodial violence against minorities cannot be tolerated. Justice must be served.”

Juvenile Justice and Past Cases

The family claims they approached the Juvenile Justice Board to file a complaint about the abuse, but were turned away, with officials alleging the boy was not a minor. However, no official age verification has been publicly disclosed.

This is not the first such case in Botad. In 2023, a Muslim youth named Kalu Padharshi allegedly died in police custody under similar circumstances. Three policemen were jailed in that case.

As of now, Makhiala remains in critical condition, and his family is struggling emotionally and financially.

“We have lost everything — wages, money, peace. All we want now is justice for our boy,” said the grandfather, standing outside the hospital ward.