The Kushinagar incident’s viral video sparks outrage and raises concerns about rising attacks against minorities in the state
KUSHINAGAR — Another disturbing case of mob violence has shaken the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, after a Muslim man was tied with ropes and brutally beaten following a parking dispute.
Videos of the assault have gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
The incident occurred in Kubera Bhual Patti village under Vishunpura police station. According to reports, the trouble began when Ritesh, a local youth, demanded that Azharuddin move his pickup from the road. Witnesses said Ritesh misbehaved with him, leading to a heated argument. In the scuffle, Azharuddin allegedly stabbed Ritesh, leaving him injured.
What followed was mob violence. As word spread, Ritesh’s relatives and associates surrounded Azharuddin, tied him with ropes, and beat him mercilessly. In one viral video, villagers can be seen dragging him while others strike him repeatedly. Another video shows Ritesh bleeding from his wounds.
Eyewitnesses said that even as Ritesh’s mother pleaded with the crowd to stop, the mob ignored her and continued the assault. A woman is seen in one of the clips desperately trying to shield Azharuddin from further blows.
Local resident Mohammad Saleem, who witnessed the scene, said: “It was horrifying. He was tied like an animal and beaten. This is not justice. If there was a fight, it should have been the police’s job to intervene, not a mob.”
Police officials confirmed that the situation escalated because the two men belonged to different communities, sparking tension in the area. Vishunpura police stated they are investigating both the stabbing and the assault.
Station Officer Rajeev Singh said: “We have taken note of the viral videos. The matter is under investigation, and strict action will be taken against those responsible for violence. We appeal to the public to maintain peace.”
Muslim groups say the incident is part of a troubling pattern of mob lynchings in Uttar Pradesh. Local activist Shabana Khatoon commented: “Even if there was a quarrel, beating a man tied with ropes cannot be justified. These repeated mob attacks on Muslims are creating fear in every household.”
The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in the region has demanded immediate arrests of those seen in the video. A spokesperson said: “The police must prove that law applies equally to all. Otherwise, mobs will feel encouraged to take the law into their hands.”
The incident has heightened tensions in Kubera Bhual Patti and nearby villages. Locals fear further unrest as the video continues to circulate widely online. Authorities have increased police presence in the area and appealed for calm.
For Azharuddin’s family, the ordeal has left deep scars. His cousin said: “He is still in shock from being tied and beaten like that. The humiliation is unbearable. We want justice, not just promises.”
