Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has expressed deep concern over the serious attack on its former president, Ashish Gujarati, and submitted a memorandum to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma demanding immediate and strict action in the matter.
As per report, SGCCI President Nikhil Madrasi informed that the memorandum detailed the incident which occurred around 11:30 p.m. on October 26, 2025, near the Peepali area close to Udaipur. Unidentified assailants allegedly attacked Ashish Gujarati and his family with sticks, striking him on the head and threatening to kill him. The brutal assault left the family terrified and deeply traumatized.
Following the attack, the victims reportedly approached the nearest Surajpol Police Station. However, officers there allegedly refused to register a zero FIR citing “jurisdiction issues.” The chamber noted in its memorandum that the provision for zero FIR applies nationwide, allowing any police station to file a complaint regardless of jurisdiction. It was only after intervention by senior authorities that the FIR was finally registered three days later, on October 29, 2025.
The chamber further pointed out that due to the lack of mobile network coverage (Vi service) along the 50-kilometer stretch between Peepali and Udaipur, the victims were unable to seek timely assistance. Moreover, repeated calls to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) emergency helpline reportedly went unanswered.
In its appeal, SGCCI urged the Chief Minister to ensure a time-bound and impartial investigation, legal punishment for the culprits, and disciplinary action against negligent police officials. The chamber also called for improved safety measures, stronger mobile connectivity, and effective emergency services along Rajasthan’s highways and tourist routes.
The memorandum further noted that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma had recently visited Surat to invite South Gujarat industrialists to invest in Rajasthan. SGCCI expressed concern that such incidents undermine investor confidence and tarnish the state’s image as a safe and business-friendly destination.
