Four accused, who were detained after the attack video went viral, were released the same evening
Team Clarion
KOLKATA – A disturbing incident has emerged from Assam’s Chandrapur area in Cachar district, where a Muslim student of Class 8 was allegedly forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ by four boys before being assaulted. The incident occurred while the boy, a student of Narsingh School, was on his way home from school on Wednesday.
The accused reportedly forced the student to do sit-ups while holding his ears, and a video of the incident was filmed and uploaded to social media, sparking outrage and concern across the country.
The parents of the victim have lodged a formal complaint at Chandrapur Police Station. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter. A senior police official said, “We are seriously treating this incident. Steps are being taken to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.”
The accused, who were detained after the video went viral, were released the same evening. This has raised questions about the handling of such sensitive cases.
According to the attackers, the student allegedly wrote something “objectionable” on the classroom wall, which purportedly prompted their actions. However, this justification has been widely criticised as an attempt to shift the focus from the assault.
Residents have expressed their concern over the growing trend of mob vigilantism linked to religious slogans. Incidents like these threaten the peace and harmony of our country. It’s alarming to see such behaviour normalised,” said an activist from the region.
The incident is not isolated. Recent years have witnessed a surge in cases where individuals, particularly from minority communities, are targeted under the guise of religious or ideological differences. This troubling pattern has led to widespread fear and apprehension among the victims and their communities.
Human rights advocates have urged authorities to address the growing menace of mob vigilantism with urgency. “These are not just acts of violence but deliberate attempts to create divisions in our society,” remarked a rights campaigner.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Many have called for stricter action against those who perpetrate such acts to prevent further incidents.
One user on social media commented, “Forcing a child to chant slogans and then beating him reflects the moral decay we are witnessing. This needs to stop.”
The victim’s family is calling for accountability and justice. “My son is traumatised. No child should have to endure this kind of treatment. We want justice,” said the student’s father.
