Book Protesters Attacked in Ahmedabad Garden

A silent book reading protest in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was disrupted and its participants allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals. The protest, held at an Auda Garden in Vastrapur, involved around 20 people reading books in solidarity after a local school removed titles such as "I Am Malala" and "The Diary of a Young Girl" from its curriculum. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, shortly after the reading session concluded.

According to a complaint filed by one of the participants, Jaykumar Thakkar, the group was preparing to leave when approximately 20 people arrived, some reportedly carrying sticks and wearing saffron scarves. Thakkar alleged that he and several other readers were physically attacked with sticks, while others were subjected to hair-pulling and punches. The group that allegedly perpetrated the assault issued threats, warning against future book-reading gatherings. Police have registered a complaint naming specific individuals, though no organization has been formally accused.