Members of a Hindu group attacked Asif Saifi in Badaun after he was called to help a sick child. Police have filed a case after a video of the incident went viral
BADAUN – A disturbing incident of religious harassment has come to light from Badaun district in Uttar Pradesh, where a Muslim man was tied to an electric pole and beaten simply for delivering medicine late at night.
The victim, Asif Saifi, is a compounder who had gone to deliver medicine to a woman named Shikha Sagar. The incident happened on Saturday night around 11.30 pm in the Islamnagar area of the district. According to the complaint, Asif was called to treat Shikha’s two-year-old son, who had suddenly fallen ill.
But as soon as Asif reached her house, a group of men from the locality arrived. They reportedly became aggressive after finding out that Asif was a Muslim. The attackers – identified as Mahavir, Mahesh, Manish, Ompal, Sher Singh, Megh Singh, Kuldeep, and others – allegedly dragged Asif out of the house, tied him to an electric pole, and beat him with sticks.
“The moment they found out his religion, they attacked him,” said Shikha Sagar in her complaint to the police. “When I tried to stop them, they abused me and even threatened to kill me.”
A video of the incident, recorded on a mobile phone, has gone viral on social media, leading to public anger and calls for justice.
Police have registered a case against seven named individuals and several unidentified people. Inspector Vishal Pratap Singh said, “We have started an investigation based on the viral video. Strict action will be taken against those responsible.”
He added, “No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. The accused will be arrested soon.”
The assault has sparked outrage in the area, with many expressing concern over the rising cases of targeting individuals based on their religion.
“This is not just an attack on one person, but an attack on humanity,” said a resident who did not wish to be named. “How can someone be punished for helping a sick child just because he is Muslim?”
Police presence has been increased in the area to maintain peace, and efforts are being made to stop the spread of communal tension.
The case has once again raised serious questions about the safety of minorities and the growing intolerance in some parts of the country.
