Fresh fears about safety and rising boldness of violent groups in Rajasthan city; troublemakers causing fear in the neighbourhood for months
NEW DELHI — Tension gripped the Mokhapada area of Kota city in Rajasthan after a Muslim family was attacked with swords, sticks, and stones for objecting to drug use taking place near their home. The incident has raised new concerns about the safety of local residents, including Muslim families who say they often feel targeted when they try to protect their homes and children.
The attack happened late on Saturday in the Kaithunipol police station area. According to residents, a group of young men had been sitting outside houses and consuming drugs openly. When a family asked them to stop, the youths became violent.
Javed, who was one of the victims, said the trouble began when he requested the boys to move away from the house. “They were sitting right at the doorstep using drugs,” he said. “When I told them to stop, they pulled out a sword and attacked me. After that, they even fired a shot. We were terrified.”
Javed said he suffered serious injuries. Several others, including Muskan, Ayan, and an elderly man, Bashir Mohammad, were also hurt in the attack. Locals described scenes of fear as the attackers used swords and threw stones at anyone who tried to intervene.
A resident who witnessed the incident said, “We have been facing problems from these boys for months. They take drugs in the open and threaten anyone who questions them. This time they crossed all limits.”
Family members and neighbours gathered soon after the attack. Police from Kaithunipol station reached the spot, rushed the injured to hospital, and began recording statements.
A police officer said, “We have recovered swords, sticks, and stones from the spot. A case has been registered based on the statements of both sides. We are collecting facts and the accused will be arrested soon.”
Local Muslims in the area say this violent behaviour has created fear among families who simply want safety around their homes. “All we want is peace,” another resident said. “If someone stops youths from using drugs in front of their house, is that a crime? Why should families suffer for trying to keep their children safe?”
Police have deployed extra forces in the area to control the tense atmosphere. Investigations are ongoing, and officers say they are identifying all attackers responsible for the violence.
