Salman, brutally beaten on Diwali night in Delhi’s Nand Nagri area while filming a short video, succumbs to his injuries in hospital
NEW DELHI – A 22-year-old Muslim youth, Salman, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday after being mercilessly beaten up in Delhi’s Nand Nagri area on Diwali night. The incident occurred when the victim and his friends were filming a short video “reel” near Gagan Cinema flyover.
The youth’s death has sent shockwaves in the local Muslim community. Police confirmed that the fight began as a dispute between two groups but turned violent. Salman, a scrap dealer by profession, suffered severe injuries and succumbed to them two days later at GTB Hospital. His death has reignited questions about the safety of young Muslims in India’s capital.
Speaking to reporters, Salman’s brother, Anan, said, “My brother went out to make a short video with friends. We later received a call saying he was lying on the road, covered in blood. When we reached there, he was unconscious.”
The family alleges that Salman was assaulted by a group of local youths and that the police response was slow. Anan added, “Those boys beat him mercilessly. His friends are giving conflicting statements, which makes us believe that they know more than they are telling.”
According to the family, Salman was targeted simply for being a Muslim youth in a mixed area, a suspicion echoed by residents who preferred not to be named for fear of reprisal.
Community members gathered outside GTB Hospital demanding a fair and transparent investigation. Several residents alleged that such incidents often go unpunished when the victims are from the minority community.
“We are tired of being treated like outsiders in our own country,” said Rashid Ali, a local social worker. “A boy was beaten to death on Diwali, and yet there is silence from those who talk about peace and unity.”
Police officials stated that a case was initially filed under Section 110/3(5) IPC, which was later upgraded to Section 105 IPC (culpable homicide) after Salman’s death. They confirmed that CCTV footage from nearby shops is being examined to identify the culprits.
A senior officer said, “We have formed multiple teams to trace and arrest the accused. The post-mortem report will clarify the cause of death.”
Local Muslim organisations have called for an impartial probe, claiming that such cases often receive little attention once media focus fades. Advocate Sameer Khan, a community activist, remarked, “This is not just a fight between two groups. This is a reflection of rising intolerance and lack of security for Muslims in Delhi.”
The incident has also raised questions about police accountability and the growing trend of mob violence against Muslims over trivial matters. “A young man lost his life for making a reel. This shows how unsafe our youth have become,” said Asma Begum, a teacher from Sunder Nagri.
What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into a night of grief for Salman’s family. His mother, unable to hold back tears, said, “He only wanted to enjoy Diwali like others. They took my son away from me for nothing.”
The family is now pleading for justice and protection, fearing pressure and intimidation from local groups. The tragedy of Salman’s death has cast a shadow over the spirit of Diwali, leaving a community grieving and demanding that justice be served without bias.
