The attackers hurled communal slurs at Zamir Umar Sheikh, shouting ‘Go to Pakistan or the graveyard’ and insulted his beard and cap — symbols of his Muslim identity
Team Clarion
AKOLA, Maharashtra — Tensions escalated once again in the Vidarbha region’s Akola district on Wednesday, as a mob, allegedly supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kiran Sahu, attacked an elderly Muslim. The incident followed a march by Sahu supporters to the Paranshahr police station, where they demanded no action against their leader for being accused of inciting violence. On their way back, the mob ransacked the area and assaulted the elderly man, who was later rescued by the police.
The violence on Wednesday marks a disturbing continuation of tensions in Akola, which have been simmering since Monday. Sahu was briefly detained and was later released on bail. Upon his release, Sahu’s supporters gathered in large numbers, demanding that no action be taken against him, claiming his innocence. The march, which included a significant number of women, proceeded towards the old city police station, chanting slogans in support of Sahu.
On their return, however, the protest took a violent turn as the mob targeted an elderly Muslim man, Zamir Umar Sheikh, who was heading towards his farm. The attackers hurled communal slurs at Sheikh shouting “Go to Pakistan or the graveyard,” and insulted his beard and cap — symbols of his Muslim identity. They also vandalised his bike before the intervention of the police. Though Sheikh was saved, he sustained serious injuries and was admitted to a local government hospital.
Prelude to the Attack
The violent outburst is believed to be linked to an incident earlier in the week when an altercation involving an auto-rickshaw triggered communal tensions in the Old Town area of Akola. In response to the incident, police arrested 21 people, the majority of whom were Muslims. This sparked anger in the local Muslim community, who accused the police of biased and heavy-handed actions.
On Tuesday evening, a group of Muslim women met with the in-charge of the Old City police station, Nitin Lehor, to present a memorandum. They demanded that the police stop making “unnecessary arrests” and instead apprehend the real culprits, including Kiran Sahu. The memorandum emphasised that the local Muslim community felt unjustly targeted, with many young men arrested during police raids in their homes.
The presence of Muslim women at the police station appeared to have angered Sahu supporters. On Wednesday, in response to the women’s protest, the mob marched to the Old City police station, chanting slogans and submitting a counter-memorandum to Inspector Lehor, asserting Sahu’s innocence.
Unequal Treatment?
In the aftermath of the attack, the police arrested 10 individuals, including Sahu. They were charged under various sections for organising a procession without permission and inciting violence. However, despite the severity of the charges, Sahu and four other accused were granted bail almost immediately after their arrest.
The swift granting of bail to Sahu and his associates has raised concerns about bias in the judicial process. While Sahu and his supporters were released, many of the Muslim youths arrested earlier in connection with the initial rioting remain in jail. Of the 21 Muslim youths arrested, 17 were detained, with 12 granted bail on the same day. Five others were kept in police custody, with only two receiving bail by Thursday. Three Muslim youths remain in jail, while all five arrested from the Hindu group were granted bail promptly.
Broader Implications
The disparity in treatment between the two groups has fuelled accusations of partiality, deepening communal divisions in the region. Local Muslim leaders have expressed frustration over what they perceive as selective justice, while Hindu groups continue to assert that Sahu is being unfairly targeted.
The violence in Akola has prompted authorities to heighten security measures, with a large police presence deployed across the district to prevent further escalation. The atmosphere remains tense, with both communities on edge.
As police continue to investigate the incident, including the assault on Zamir Umar Sheikh, there are growing calls from civil rights groups for a more balanced approach to law enforcement. Advocates are urging the authorities to ensure that justice is administered fairly, regardless of religious or political affiliations.
The situation in Akola serves as a grim reminder of the volatility of communal relations in parts of India, where incidents of violence can quickly spiral out of control. It also highlights the delicate balance law enforcement must maintain in ensuring the safety and rights of all citizens, particularly in times of heightened tension.
For now, peace remains fragile in Akola, and the city awaits further developments in the case. The outcome of these investigations, and the judicial process, will likely determine whether tensions can be de-escalated or whether the district will witness further unrest.
