The victi Mukesh Kumar said that without the timely help of the man—whom he respectfully referred to as “mulla ji”—he would not have survived.
NEW DELHI — A transport businessman who was brutally assaulted in Delhi’s Mehrauli area after trying to stop a group of youths from harassing a girl has said a Muslim man saved his life by intervening at great personal risk.
Mukesh Kumar said that without the timely help of the man—whom he respectfully referred to as “mulla ji”—he would not have survived.
The attack took place around 5 am on February 3, 2026. Mukesh said he was returning from work and had stopped at a tea stall when he noticed a group of young men passing lewd remarks at girls standing nearby.
“I told them to stop. I couldn’t stay silent,” he said.
Moments later, four youths allegedly surrounded him, threw him to the ground, and beat him with sticks and stones. Mukesh sustained serious injuries to his head, arms and body, and lost consciousness. Several people were present at the spot, but most did not intervene.
One Muslim man stepped forward, shielded Mukesh from further blows, and helped move him to safety.
“If that man had not come forward, I would not be alive today,” Mukesh said. “He saved my life. Humanity is still alive.”
Police reached the scene soon after and rushed Mukesh to a nearby hospital. He was later shifted to a major trauma centre due to the severity of his injuries. Following treatment, his condition improved and he was discharged.
A police officer said an FIR has been registered based on Mukesh’s statement, the girl’s account, and evidence collected from the spot. “All four accused have been arrested,” the officer added.
Residents of the area praised the man who intervened. A local shopkeeper said, “At a time when many people are afraid to act, this man showed what being human truly means.”
The incident has renewed calls for stronger safety measures for women and greater support for those who stand up against wrongdoing. Mukesh said he hopes the the man who helped him will be officially recognised.
“I will never forget what he did for me,” he said.
