Police take victim into custody after assault, Muslim bodies condemn incident and demand strict action
RUDRAPUR — A disturbing case of violence against a Muslim youth has surfaced from Rudrapur in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar District, once again putting the spotlight on growing attacks on Muslims in the name of cow protection. The incident on Tuesday, captured on video and widely shared on social media, shows a young Muslim man, identified as Mohammed Fateh, being brutally assaulted and paraded through the streets by members of Hindu organisations.
Local residents and rights activists say the incident reflects a worrying pattern in the hill state, where Muslims are increasingly targeted over their religion, food habits, business activities and even routine daily life. Many allege that such groups act openly, while the administration often appears helpless or slow to respond.
According to available information, the entire episode began after a video related to a cow was allegedly made by a leader linked to a Hindu organisation. After the video surfaced online, it triggered anger among people claiming to be associated with cow protection groups.
Witnesses allege that members of a group calling itself Gau Raksha Seva Samiti, led by its Rudrapur president Pandit Kumar Arya, caught hold of Mohammed Fateh. “They dragged him, beat him and made him walk through the streets like a criminal,” said a shopkeeper who saw the incident but requested anonymity. “People were scared. No one dared to stop them.”
The viral video shows Fateh surrounded by men shouting slogans, pushing him and hitting him in full public view. A large crowd gathered during the incident, and instead of stopping the assault, some people recorded the scenes on their mobile phones.
After beating and parading him, the group handed Mohammed Fateh over to the police. Sources said the police have started an inquiry and are examining the context of the video that triggered the incident, as well as the actions of those involved.
A senior police official said, “We are looking into the matter. All aspects are being examined, including whether any law was broken by any side.” However, no clear official statement has yet been released.
Muslim organisations have strongly condemned the incident. A local community leader said, “This is not cow protection, this is open violence against Muslims. If someone is guilty, the law should act. No one has the right to beat a person and parade him in public.”
Activists also questioned why the victim was taken into custody after being assaulted. “First he is beaten, then he is handed to the police, while those who attacked him roam free,” said a social worker from Udham Singh Nagar. “This sends a very wrong message.”
Over the past few years, similar incidents have been reported from different parts of Uttarakhand, where Muslims have been attacked on allegations related to cows or religion. Videos of such incidents have often gone viral, deepening fear within the minority community.
Many residents now fear that mob rule is slowly replacing the rule of law. “If this continues, minorities will not feel safe here,” said an elderly Muslim resident of Rudrapur. “We are citizens of this country. We deserve protection, not humiliation.”
The incident has once again raised serious questions about law and order, the role of extremist groups, and the responsibility of the administration to protect every citizen, regardless of faith. Muslim groups have demanded strict action against those involved in the assault and a clear assurance of safety for the community.
