Students' Federation of India activists condemn the violence driven by ‘Brahmanical hatred and xenophobia’
NEW DELHI – Close on the heels of the brutal assault on four Muslim meat traders in Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, a violent mob attacked a shop owned by a North Eastern family in the national capital’s Vijay Nagar on Wednesday, alleging the sale of beef.
The incident, which unfolded near Delhi University’s North Campus, left the shopkeeper injured and his family traumatised, as bystanders recorded the violence, raising hateful slogans.
Eyewitnesses reported that the mob chanted provocative slogans like “Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maaro saalon ko” (Shoot the traitors) and demanded police raids on flats occupied by students from the North East and Kerala, accusing them of consuming beef. The family, including the shopkeeper’s wife and young children, was present during the attack.
Members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) intervened, attempting to shield the victims and defuse the situation. “The mob was attacking anyone who tried to stop them. We stood our ground to protect the victims. This violence is driven by Brahmanical hatred and xenophobia, and we refuse to let it continue,” said Sohan Yadav, SFI Delhi University Convenor.
Simran, the Co-Convenor of SFI in DU, stated that the activists themselves became targets after the intervention. “They followed us, profiled us, and demanded to check our bags, implying we were carrying beef. This is a dangerous attempt to criminalise and isolate students from the North East and Kerala,” she said.
The attack has sparked outrage on the campus, with many pointing to an alarming rise in targeted violence against migrant communities. Former Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat contacted officials at the Model Town Police Station regarding the incident. Police reportedly assured her that the safety of the shopkeeper, his family, and the student community would be ensured.
The SFI has demanded immediate action against those involved in the violence and has vowed to stand firmly against what it calls “xenophobic and Brahmanical mob attacks.”
“SFI vows to stand headstrong against such xenophobic and Brahmanical acts of mob violence. The culprits of the crime should be booked immediately and the safety and security of the migrant student community should be ensured without any lapse,” the student body said.
Police are yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident. Investigations are ongoing.
