The online video of Rishabh Ojha, reportedly part of a Hindutva network, has been viewed by thousands of users, with some expressing approval rather than shock
NEW DELHI/UJJAIN — A disturbing video circulating on social media has sent waves of fear through India’s Muslim community. The clip, linked to a man identified as Rishabh Ojha, reportedly part of a Hindutva network, shows him openly advocating for the abduction, acid torture, and killing of Muslims. Ojha claims to already have a Muslim man in captivity, intending to kill him after prolonged abuse.
The video, first shared widely on X and later reposted on Instagram and Telegram, shows Ojha speaking in Hindi with chilling calmness, often laughing as he describes acid attacks, forced religious conversion, and murder. Thousands of users have viewed the video, with some expressing approval rather than shock.
A Delhi-based Muslim academic commented, “This is not a rant. This is a confession and a call to action. When someone speaks like this in public and stays free, it sends a message that Muslim lives do not matter.”
In the video, Ojha explains a new method of targeting Muslims, saying, “Earlier we used to shoot them or cut them, there was no fun in that. Now the method has changed.” He describes pouring acid on abducted individuals, causing unbearable pain that forces victims to plead or agree to convert.
Most alarming is his claim of an ongoing attack: “One is already in my control. He suffers every day. Soon he will get release,” with “release” referring to death. Even if untrue, the statement signals a serious threat requiring immediate action.
Ojha openly challenges law enforcement: “If you think you can harm me or stop me, then try.”
Muslim leaders reject his justification, which he frames as “revenge” for Kashmiri Pandits.
Maulana Abdul Hamid of Uttar Pradesh said, “Kashmiri Pandits are victims and deserve justice. Using their pain to kill innocent Muslims is a lie and an insult to both communities.”
The online response has deepened Muslim fears. Ojha has tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and Telegram, with several supporters praising his threats. A Mumbai-based digital rights activist said, “This is how online hate turns into offline violence. The applause gives confidence. Silence gives cover.”
Across cities and towns, Muslims report heightened anxiety. A shopkeeper in Bhopal said, “When someone says on camera that he enjoys killing Muslims and still walks free, how do you expect us to feel safe?”
A college student from Aligarh added, “We study, work, pay taxes. Still, someone can say we should be burned with acid. What is our fault?”
Civil rights groups have demanded immediate arrests. A statement from a rights collective said, “This video is evidence of criminal intent. Delay in action will make the state responsible for any harm that follows.”
Senior advocate Farah Naqvi clarified, “The law is very clear. A public call to kidnap, torture and kill a community is a serious crime. The police do not need permission to act.”
Muslim organisations say this video reflects a broader pattern of threats and discrimination, with authorities often slow to respond. A community organiser in Rajasthan said, “Every time we are told not to worry. Then something happens. Then there are speeches and promises. Then silence again.”
Questions also arise about social media platforms. A tech policy researcher said, “Platforms act fast when their interests are at risk. When minorities are at risk, the response is slow.”
Amid this fear, many Muslims are urging calm and faith in the law. Imam Rashid Khan of Hyderabad said, “We believe in the Constitution. We believe in peace. We want safety, not revenge.” He added, “Those spreading hate do not represent all Hindus. Many Hindu neighbours have stood with us and shared our pain.”
Separately, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain has become a flashpoint for Muslim exclusion. While Bollywood actress Nusrat Bharucha recently participated in Bhasma Aarti, ordinary Muslims have faced repeated barriers, scrutiny, and even demolition of homes and shops near the temple. Between January and November 2025, hundreds of Muslim structures were razed, often citing “development” or religious reasons, deepening community grievances.
The systemic bias, combined with online hate, leaves Indian Muslims demanding basic safety and equality. As one mother in Delhi said, “We do not want special treatment. We want basic safety.”
The coming weeks will show whether authorities respond decisively or allow fear to grow deeper in the lives of millions of law-abiding Indian Muslims.
