Singer Assaulted Over Song Rights Dispute in Ahmedabad

A 32-year-old singer and music composer, Hardik Pandya, has reported an assault linked to a longstanding dispute over song rights. The incident took place on March 4, 2024, near a rooftop café on SG Road in Ahmedabad, where Pandya was socializing with friends around 23:45 local time.

According to the complaint filed with the Vastrapur Police, the altercation began when Pandya extended his hand to greet a friend. At that moment, two men allegedly pushed him from behind, leading to a fall onto the roadway. Pandya claims the attack was motivated by a disagreement regarding rights to songs he had composed approximately one and a half years prior.

During the attack, Pandya reported that the assailants verbally abused him. One of the attackers allegedly struck him repeatedly in the face while wearing a metal knuckle ring. The situation escalated as two additional men joined the assault, physically manhandling Pandya. Fortunately, friends and bystanders intervened, prompting the assailants to flee the scene.

In the aftermath of the assault, Pandya sought medical attention at Sola Civil Hospital, where he received stitches due to injuries sustained inside his mouth. Following his treatment, he returned to the Vastrapur police station on March 5, accompanied by his father, to file a formal complaint.

In his report, Pandya named two individuals but stated he was unaware of the identities of two other assailants. His friends have been listed as witnesses in the case. The police have registered a case of grievous assault, verbal abuse, and causing bodily harm, and an investigation is currently underway.

As this incident unfolds, the local music community and authorities are closely monitoring the situation, which highlights ongoing challenges regarding copyright and song rights in the industry. Further updates are expected as the police continue their inquiries.