Tension flared in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, after two Hindu youths allegedly assaulted an elderly Muslim farmer, pulling his beard and threatening his life. Following swift intervention by locals, Police arrested the accused.
DEOBAND – In a disturbing incident that has sparked concerns over rising religious intolerance, an 80-year-old Muslim farmer named Israel was brutally assaulted by two Hindu youths while tending to his field in Amarpur village, Deoband Nagar.
According to Israel, the attackers targeted him solely because of his religious identity. “They asked my name. When I told them, they pulled my beard, hit me repeatedly, and forced me to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’. They kept shouting, ‘Go to Pakistan!’” he recounted, tears in his eyes and visible bruises on his arms.
The assault occurred around 2 PM, while Israel was alone in his field. Without warning, two young men approached him, demanded his name, and then launched a physical attack—using their fists, a stick, and, according to the victim’s written police complaint, even attempting to strike him with a shovel.
“I had done nothing wrong,” Israel wrote in his statement. “I was simply working in my field. They were full of hatred.”
Hearing his cries for help, nearby farmers rushed to the scene. The assailants briefly fled but were apprehended shortly afterward by local residents, who then alerted the police.
Deoband police confirmed the arrests. “Both accused are in custody. We are taking the matter seriously and pursuing all appropriate legal action,” a senior officer said.
Following the attack, Israel received medical treatment and was accompanied to the police station by members of the Bhim Army, a Dalit rights organisation known for opposing caste and religious violence.
“We stand with Israel uncle,” said one Bhim Army member. “This is more than an assault—it’s an attack on the values of this country. We will not let hate win.”
An FIR has been registered, and locals are demanding that the accused be charged under sections pertaining to attempted murder and hate crimes. The attack has sent shockwaves through the Muslim community in Deoband and surrounding villages.
“If an elderly man can be beaten just for having a Muslim name, then who is safe?” asked Mohammed Rizwan, a fellow farmer. “We are living in fear. This is not the India we were raised in.”
The following day, community leaders from Muslim and Dalit groups gathered to express outrage and demand justice. Many urged the state government to take firm action against those fueling communal hatred.
“This is not an isolated case,” said writer and activist Faheem Ansari. “Time and again, we see innocent Muslims harassed over identity and slogans. If we remain silent, this poison will spread.”
While police have assured a fair investigation, community leaders remain cautious. “This must not be treated as just another scuffle. It is a clear hate crime and deserves strict punishment,” said Deoband resident Shabbir Khan.
At the same time, voices from the community are also calling for calm and unity. “We don’t want revenge—we want justice,” said Abdul Salam, a retired schoolteacher. “We want our elders and children to live in peace, without fear.”
The incident comes amid rising tensions in parts of India, where religious identity is becoming an increasingly volatile issue. Rights groups have condemned the attack and called on authorities to ensure safety and dignity for all citizens.
“Every Indian has the right to live without fear,” said Meena Kumari, a lawyer with a local legal aid group. “We must not allow violence based on religion to become normalised.”
Though recovering from his physical injuries, Israel remains emotionally shaken. “I’ve never felt so humiliated in my life,” he said quietly. “I only want peace. I pray no one else has to suffer like I did.”
