In Shahjahanpur, the victim’s truck was set ablaze as police watched silently
SHAHJAHANPUR (Uttar Pradesh) — A horrifying incident has once again exposed the dangerous consequences of communal violence in Uttar Pradesh. A Muslim truck driver was mercilessly beaten and left to die on suspicion of carrying cattle remains by a mob of Kanwariyas. Shockingly, this brutal assault unfolded in front of police officers who remained passive, allowing the mob to set fire to the truck and stone the victim.
The incident took place in the Patna Devkali area on Badaun Road, in the Thana Kalan police jurisdiction of Shahjahanpur. Reports say that during the Kanwar Yatra procession, the Kanwariyas stopped a truck after noticing a foul smell, suspecting it to be carrying cattle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found animal skins and immediately jumped to conclusions without any investigation. Mistaking the skins for cattle remains, the mob launched a violent attack on the driver.
The victim was brutally beaten by the enraged mob. Even when police arrived, they failed to take any firm action to protect him or control the crowd. Instead, the police took the victim into custody while the angry mob set the truck on fire in their presence. The vehicle was reduced to ashes as stones continued to rain down from the mob, with no attempt by law enforcement to intervene.
Videos circulating on social media clearly show police officers standing by as violence unfolds, raising serious questions about the authorities’ role in protecting minorities. Human rights observers and community leaders have condemned the police’s failure to act, highlighting a pattern where Muslims are frequently targeted under the pretext of cow protection laws.
A local Muslim leader said, “This is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend where Muslims are harassed and punished without proof. The truck driver lost his life because of blind hatred and suspicion. The police must be held accountable for their silence.”
Another eyewitness shared, “We saw the police standing near but they did nothing while the driver was attacked. Such inaction encourages mobs to break the law and spread fear among minority communities.”
This incident has once again sparked outrage among Muslims who feel vulnerable and unprotected. Many express deep concern over the misuse of cow protection laws as a tool to persecute innocent people based on religion. The tragedy raises urgent questions about law enforcement’s impartiality and the rising culture of mob justice.
Legal experts warn, “Taking the law into one’s hands is illegal and dangerous. No person can be harmed on mere suspicion without proper investigation. The police must act decisively to prevent such violence and uphold justice.”
The case demands immediate government attention to ensure justice for the Muslim driver and to prevent such communal violence in the future. The Muslim community in Uttar Pradesh calls for stronger protection of their rights and fair investigation into the police’s failure to stop this brutal attack.
In summary, the brutal killing is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by Muslims amidst rising communal tensions. The Kanwariyas’ violent actions and police inaction expose a grave injustice that must be addressed by the authorities to restore peace and protect all citizens equally.
